Domestic Solar PV Quotes 2020

unkel · 28-02-2021 12:04am

sebdavis wrote: »

Is it really coming?
I have a 2kWh or something so was thinking of topping up with more but last time I checked it was crazy money

1kWh of battery cells costs a bit over €100 including VAT, import fees and shipping costs

Some suppliers charge 10, 20 or even 50 times that though, Victron seems the king of the overchargers

samdeluxjones · 28-02-2021 11:02am

graememk wrote: »

That is extra kit, Using a raspberry pi running emoncms and a EmonTX that does the measuring. - From OpenEnergyMonitor - ive got about a 10 second resolution

But most inverters etc can give decent detail but thats around the 5 minute mark each update, which would be close enough.

Im pulling some data directly from the storage inverter over a serial connection.

Did the raspberry pi need programming or did you pull down pre-made stuff?

With the 7kW system how much do you generate on an overcast/dull day?

sebdavis · 28-02-2021 11:15am

unkel wrote: »

1kWh of battery cells costs a bit over €100 including VAT, import fees and shipping costs

Some suppliers charge 10, 20 or even 50 times that though, Victron seems the king of the overchargers

I was offered another 2kWh for 2k or so

championc · 28-02-2021 12:19pm

sebdavis wrote: »

I was offered another 2kWh for 2k or so

That's crazy. Go the DIY route without about 10kW for €1,400

graememk · 28-02-2021 2:03pm

samdeluxjones wrote: »

Did the raspberry pi need programming or did you pull down pre-made stuff?

With the 7kW system how much do you generate on an overcast/dull day?

System has only been live since jan, so still in the short days. - really noticing the longer days even now.

My panels are on a really low slope roof, think about 12 degrees, made install a doddle as the roof was easily walkable.

So in Jan it was 3-4 kwh (short days!).

Now If its bright out at all I'm on 10+ if not more.

Every day my peak out put is getting higher and higher, I think i hit 4kw not too long ago, Exporting a bit at the top as batteries can only charge at 3kw!

As for the Raspberry pi system, I already had a pi, and got the wifi version of the emontx, downloaded the latest sd image, pointed the emontx to send the data there, configure the inputs +feeds and off I go.

I do other stuff/automation using node red and such and can turn on smartplugs (ie one in an outside office where extra heat wouldnt go a miss)

Its really flexible/expandable if your into tinkering.

They do a emonpi bundle with everything you need to monitor solar.

I also upload to their emoncms.org for remote monitoring.

ctomas · 01-03-2021 7:36pm

Hi all,

Have a small bungalow 1500sqf, south facing truss roof towards the road with a low slope, maybe 30deg. Based in Galway. It looks like most are suggesting batteries are not worth it when you can supply any extra back to grid. Am I looking at 4kw of panels? New to this, so any help appreciated. C1 BER so should get grant.

MAULBROOK · 01-03-2021 7:44pm

ctomas wrote: »

Hi all,

Have a small bungalow 1500sqf, south facing truss roof towards the road with a low slope, maybe 30deg. Based in Galway. It looks like most are suggesting batteries are not worth it when you can supply any extra back to grid. Am I looking at 4kw of panels? New to this, so any help appreciated. C1 BER so should get grant.

Personally im very happy to have the battery..

garo · 01-03-2021 8:18pm

If you are going to go for a grant aided install, adding a battery gets you 1200 extra grant. That covers a good bit of the cost. Having a battery does mean that if a cloud passes over when the oven is on you don't import or import less and you also contribute to lowering the evening peak. It's not a no-brainer either way. A high FiT rate may make it so but chances are we get 5-6c which means we are back to "could go either way".For non-grant installs I would say that a battery is now definitely not going to be worth it after the FiT.

ctomas · 01-03-2021 9:33pm

garo wrote: »

If you are going to go for a grant aided install, adding a battery gets you 1200 extra grant. That covers a good bit of the cost. Having a battery does mean that if a cloud passes over when the oven is on you don't import or import less and you also contribute to lowering the evening peak. It's not a no-brainer either way. A high FiT rate may make it so but chances are we get 5-6c which means we are back to "could go either way".For non-grant installs I would say that a battery is now definitely not going to be worth it after the FiT.

Is the extra SEAI grant for battery not 600e? Thanks for feedback!

Bobeagleburger · 01-03-2021 9:38pm

Get quote without and without battery net grant.

KCross · 01-03-2021 9:44pm

ctomas wrote: »

Is the extra SEAI grant for battery not 600e? Thanks for feedback!

It is but if you get the battery you get €300 for each additional kWp of panels upto 4kWp... so €600 for the battery and another €600 for panels if you go for a total of 4kWp.
Its all detailed here
https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/solar-electricity-grant/

Max grant is €3k for 4kWp if you include a battery.
If you get no battery the max grant is €1800.

sebdavis · 01-03-2021 10:09pm

championc wrote: »

That's crazy. Go the DIY route without about 10kW for €1,400

I would no idea where to start to be honest

Deagol · 01-03-2021 11:01pm

sebdavis wrote: »

I would no idea where to start to be honest

You can buy an off the shelf ready to go battery like a Puredrive for ~2.4keuro for 5kw. A small bit of wiring to be done but no cert required because it's DC and not on the grid etc (I stand to be corrected but guess that's so?) so no need to pay anyone.

championc · 02-03-2021 12:21am

sebdavis wrote: »

I would no idea where to start to be honest

It is as simple as this to be honest

unkel · 02-03-2021 10:37am

sebdavis wrote: »

I would no idea where to start to be honest

None of us did when we started

It's pretty straight forward though once you start looking things up and watch a few YT videos

insular1 · 03-03-2021 2:38pm

How important is the solar panel type and inverter type? I have finally received the last of my quotes and have narrowed it down to two.

One system is about 1000 euro cheaper and for a slightly bigger array (1.5kw bigger). This supplier is using a solis inverter and he can use either JA 410w, Q Cell 375w or Trina 370w panels for roughly the same price. All these panels have a 12 year product warranty and 25 year output warranty.

The other supplier says he cant come down any further in price because he is using much better panels and inverter. He has quoted for an Alpha inverter and Jinko panels which have a 25year product warranty and 30 year output warranty.

My gut is telling me the additional warranty is not worth the extra grand and the loss of 1.5kw. Im thinking of going with the JA 410w panels. Any opinions one way or the other?

KCross · 03-03-2021 2:41pm

insular1 wrote: »

My gut is telling me the additional warranty is not worth the extra grand and the loss of 1.5kw. Im thinking of going with the JA 410w panels. Any opinions one way or the other?

I'd go with your gut.

Hindsight will be great in 25 years time but having the extra output now is what I would go for.

Deagol · 03-03-2021 3:01pm

insular1 wrote: »

How important is the solar panel type and inverter type? I have finally received the last of my quotes and have narrowed it down to two.

One system is about 1000 euro cheaper and for a slightly bigger array (1.5kw bigger). This supplier is using a solis inverter and he can use either JA 410w, Q Cell 375w or Trina 370w panels for roughly the same price. All these panels have a 12 year product warranty and 25 year output warranty.

The other supplier says he cant come down any further in price because he is using much better panels and inverter. He has quoted for an Alpha inverter and Jinko panels which have a 25year product warranty and 30 year output warranty.

My gut is telling me the additional warranty is not worth the extra grand and the loss of 1.5kw. Im thinking of going with the JA 410w panels. Any opinions one way or the other?

The panels are ~€150 each right now, chances are the prices will keep going down. They are not a part I'd panic about replacing - you're effectively talking about paying €1000 for an extended warranty - for parts that would cost you €1500 (if you have 10x panels for instance) to buy. BTW - don't forget the warranty might cover the parts but you'll still have to pay labour to have any replaced if they are hard to reach / need specialist equipment (roof mounts for instance).

In regards the inverters - the inverters all have big electrolytic capacitors in them that will last about 10-15 years on average, nothing you can do about that - electrolytic caps have a liquid in them that wears out. So you'll need to budget to replace it then anyway irrespective of the brand. I have a Solis and perfectly happy with it, had a Trannergy before that and it was fine (upgrade not failure is reason I changed). If you read some reviews you'll see there's no major difference between them all.

sebdavis · 03-03-2021 4:01pm

Is this who people are buying the batteries from? https://www.aliexpress.com/store/5403069

Thanks

graememk · 03-03-2021 6:08pm

sebdavis wrote: »

Is this who people are buying the batteries from? https://www.aliexpress.com/store/5403069

Thanks

I got mine from Pwod. OYE is another seller

caycro · 03-03-2021 8:56pm

We are currently pricing getting PV panels and battery system, approx 4kw facing south in the very sunny south east. My OH thinks we should be buying from Hone as it produces on cloudy days not only sunny. I’ve read the ‘snake oil’ comments here but has anyone actually used them? Or know of one one who has used them? Their website cases are heating systems but were only doing electricity. Many thanks, hopefully somebody can help me &#55357;&#56876; as he’s quite convinced !!

MAULBROOK · 03-03-2021 9:05pm

caycro wrote: »

We are currently pricing getting PV panels and battery system, approx 4kw facing south in the very sunny south east. My OH thinks we should be buying from Hone as it produces on cloudy days not only sunny. I’ve read the ‘snake oil’ comments here but has anyone actually used them? Or know of one one who has used them? Their website cases are heating systems but were only doing electricity. Many thanks, hopefully somebody can help me �� as he’s quite convinced !!

The last two days has been dull to say the least in the sunny south east, but still managed to generate 6.1kw and 5.5kw.
Now the first of March was a barn stormer of 24.7kw.
In other words PV generates on a dull day.

graememk · 03-03-2021 9:44pm

caycro wrote: »

We are currently pricing getting PV panels and battery system, approx 4kw facing south in the very sunny south east. My OH thinks we should be buying from Hone as it produces on cloudy days not only sunny. I’ve read the ‘snake oil’ comments here but has anyone actually used them? Or know of one one who has used them? Their website cases are heating systems but were only doing electricity. Many thanks, hopefully somebody can help me �� as he’s quite convinced !!

All panels produce electricity even when cloudy.

Done a quick google, Wouldn't say its complete snakeoil, It looks like both Thermal Solar (Solar tubes) and Solar PV combined.

Seems the priority on them is solar heating/water. Thermal tubes are very good at heating water but the install can be costly, new HW tank etc.

Bit if your only looking for electricity, stick with the standard PV panels,

Found the data sheet. Its a big panel, - about the same size as the Longi 360watt. The Electricity part of the panel only is a 90w panel.

Deagol · 03-03-2021 9:48pm

graememk wrote: »

All panels produce electricity even when cloudy.

Done a quick google, Wouldn't say its complete snakeoil, It looks like both Thermal Solar (Solar tubes) and Solar PV combined.

Seems the priority on them is solar heating/water. Thermal tubes are very good at heating water but the install can be costly, new HW tank etc.

Bit if your only looking for electricity, stick with the standard PV panels,

Found the data sheet. Its a big panel, - about the same size as the Longi 360watt. The Electricity part of the panel only is a 90w panel.

Don't forget the biggest drawback with solar thermal - there are moving parts (compressor, pump etc) and you can be sure they will fail in shorter time than pure PV system. Also because it's liquid moving around them there's the risk of leaks and the associated crap that goes with them.

For me, if hot water is important then just get a diverter.

CryoSat · 03-03-2021 10:51pm

After getting some recommendations off of here (thanks again) I think I have narrowed it down to 2 quotes so any input on these would be appreciated.

1) €6500 - after SEAI grant, 4.2kW

12 x 340 watt JA panels
3.6kW Solis Inverter (should I be trying to get a 5Kw?)
2 x 2.4 kW battery
Water diverter (in both quotes, I will be requesting to remove this from whichever system I decide on)
WiFi dongle

2) €7650 - after SEAI grant, 4.36kW

13 x 335w Qcells All blk
Solis Hybrid Inverter w/ energy monitoring app
PureDrive 5kW
Marlec Solar iboost

MAULBROOK · 03-03-2021 10:53pm

Get the 5kw inverter for the same price. Insist on it

Deagol · 03-03-2021 11:14pm

CryoSat wrote: »

After getting some recommendations off of here (thanks again) I think I have narrowed it down to 2 quotes so any input on these would be appreciated.

1) €6500 - after SEAI grant, 4.2kW

12 x 340 watt JA panels
3.6kW Solis Inverter (should I be trying to get a 5Kw?)
2 x 2.4 kW battery
Water diverter (in both quotes, I will be requesting to remove this from whichever system I decide on)
WiFi dongle

2) €7650 - after SEAI grant, 4.36kW

13 x 335w Qcells All blk
Solis Hybrid Inverter w/ energy monitoring app
PureDrive 5kW
Marlec Solar iboost

I second what Maulbrook says - get the 5kw inverter.

And have you haggled with both of the quotes? You can get a decent discount if you haggle a bit!

Just something to watch for: the puredrive batteries have double the output current of the Pylontechs and others' I've looked at. Could be important enough depending on what you expect to use them for.

championc · 03-03-2021 11:17pm

sebdavis wrote: »

Is this who people are buying the batteries from? https://www.aliexpress.com/store/5403069

Thanks

Search for "CALB 200A LiFePO4"

They have, by far, the sturdiest connectors and bolt sizes, in addition to good strong cases

CryoSat · 03-03-2021 11:19pm

Deagol wrote: »

I second what Maulbrook says - get the 5kw inverter.

And have you haggled with both of the quotes? You can get a decent discount if you haggle a bit!

Haggling is up next. I just wanted suggestions/comments on components before starting that so I could be clear on what i'm asking for.

championc · 03-03-2021 11:22pm

insular1 wrote: »

How important is the solar panel type and inverter type? I have finally received the last of my quotes and have narrowed it down to two.

One system is about 1000 euro cheaper and for a slightly bigger array (1.5kw bigger). This supplier is using a solis inverter and he can use either JA 410w, Q Cell 375w or Trina 370w panels for roughly the same price. All these panels have a 12 year product warranty and 25 year output warranty.

The other supplier says he cant come down any further in price because he is using much better panels and inverter. He has quoted for an Alpha inverter and Jinko panels which have a 25year product warranty and 30 year output warranty.

My gut is telling me the additional warranty is not worth the extra grand and the loss of 1.5kw. Im thinking of going with the JA 410w panels. Any opinions one way or the other?

I'd be gobsmacked if we all have the same panels in 10 years time. I reckon that we'll get 33% more output from the same footprint within 5 years

Domestic Solar PV Quotes 2020

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