Solar Power

Surferdude · **Reply #151: September 27, 2012, 11:23:05**

Quote from: 847563 on September 26, 2012, 12:25:41

Well, you are still paying them off, but that's certainly in the right direction. Don't forget, that days are getting longer and summer is coming, yay

Yes but I look at it as an investment. If I took $10,500 and invested it on the money market, where could I get a guaranteed safe return of 20%.
We have eliminated an annual bill of around $1700 and are returning another $500 (projected) credit.
So $2200 per annum return on $10,500.
Rounded to 21% ROI.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #152: September 27, 2012, 11:49:42**

Lucky people in QLD getting rebated on Gross KWH, makes a huge difference to the investment equation & yes 20% is better than 3.9 recently offered to a relative by the Commonwealth bank, what a joke

Now that you have some history, would you like to project when the final payment will occur.

Dazzler · **Reply #153: September 27, 2012, 11:53:55**

The way we are going because we only paid $3100 for our 2KW system (barring problems) we should be close to covering the cost in 3 years

Surferdude · **Reply #154: September 27, 2012, 12:01:16**

Quote from: 847563 on September 27, 2012, 11:49:42

Lucky people in QLD getting rebated on Gross KWH, makes a huge difference to the investment equation & yes 20% is better than 3.9 recently offered to a relative by the Commonwealth bank, what a joke

Now that you have some history, would you like to project when the final payment will occur.

I don't understand.

What final payment?
But if you mean at what point will we have got our money back (after which it's ALL profit), I would have to also factor in electricity price rises over the next few years because our last year's annual bill of around $1700 would increase each year (except the current one where the State Gov't has frozen any hikes). Some pundits are suggesting 10% PLUS per annum increases over the next few years.
Thus............... 2012 $1700 + $500 = $2200
2013...........$1700 +$500 = $2200
2014...........$1870 + $500 = $2370
2015...........$2057 + $500 = $2557
We start 2016 at $9327 which leaves $1173 to recoup this year so finished about mid 2017.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #155: September 27, 2012, 12:16:39**

Yes, that was the answer I was looking for. Thanks, you're well on track

FatBoy · **Reply #156: September 28, 2012, 00:06:16**

I've been doing some research into Solar Panels for our house in Tassie. It seems that if your system is less than 3kw, then the Supply rate is the same as the Feed rate. Seems like Tassie is ahead of the rest of the states on this one.

beerman · **Reply #157: September 28, 2012, 00:38:02**

Just put another 3kw system onto the roof to bring mine up to 4kw in total, still getting the government super bonus, but have gone to AGL who pay .52 kw/h

The first system is already well into profit (well I got it for a couple of hundred dollars in a Qld Government hand out) it's been up there for years now.

Just discovered the new system can talk to the lap top by bluetooth. Happy days!

Can anyone tell me if their energy provider is deducting GST from their feed in amount. My current provider is doing this (well actually more than this), and it seems sus.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #158: September 28, 2012, 01:16:03**

That doesn't sound right to me. On a normal bill, there is a GST "Charge", which means "I pay extra" so if they're paying you, how come "You receive less". It doesn't add up.

FatBoy · **Reply #159: September 28, 2012, 02:51:21**

Probably because he wouldn't be registered as a business for GST purposes. A similar thing would be selling a car privately, you don't pay GST, neither does the buyer. But in a car yard (which would be registered for GST purposes) there is a component of GST.

Remember the GST goes to the Government, not the provider.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #160: September 28, 2012, 04:41:03**

Quote from: FatBoy on September 28, 2012, 02:51:21

Probably because he wouldn't be registered as a business for GST purposes. A similar thing would be selling a car privately, you don't pay GST, neither does the buyer. But in a car yard (which would be registered for GST purposes) there is a component of GST.

Remember the GST goes to the Government, not the provider.

I don't care who gets it, only that it leaves my pocket.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #161: September 28, 2012, 04:42:05**

Quote from: FatBoy on September 28, 2012, 00:06:16

I've been doing some research into Solar Panels for our house in Tassie. It seems that if your system is less than 3kw, then the Supply rate is the same as the Feed rate. Seems like Tassie is ahead of the rest of the states on this one.

I'm sure Dazz would have that info for you.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #162: September 28, 2012, 04:43:40**

Quote from: beerman on September 28, 2012, 00:38:02

Just put another 3kw system onto the roof to bring mine up to 4kw in total, still getting the government super bonus, but have gone to AGL who pay .52 kw/h

I'm with AGL too & my rebate went up, last bill, yea

Surferdude · **Reply #163: September 28, 2012, 10:32:50**

Yep. AGL here, too.
We pay 23.7c/kw/hr (just went up from 20.7 c)
Plus GST.

We get paid 52c/kw/hr for what goes back into the grid. No GST added, which is as Fatboy says.

Dazzler · **Reply #164: September 28, 2012, 13:27:31**

Quote from: FatBoy on September 28, 2012, 00:06:16

I've been doing some research into Solar Panels for our house in Tassie. It seems that if your system is less than 3kw, then the Supply rate is the same as the Feed rate. Seems like Tassie is ahead of the rest of the states on this one.

That is how it seems to work for us..

ElleB · **Reply #165: September 29, 2012, 02:43:47**

HI Guys.... Thought I would just add a little info.
I have a 5Kw system and were with AGL in NSW, but only getting the 28c FIT....but that was better than nothing...but since Sept 1st they have dropped their rate to 8 cents only, they say on account of the NSW Gov withdrawing the subsidy.
Seems that no matter who you contact, there is no better rates available...

Oh ! for the Qld FIT... no wonder your laughing...seems that the NSW Gov have really crueled the whole concept, which in turn has put many a business under pressure, with a number going under.
The solar industry in Germany, I believe is running second only to Auto manufacture....and that is a country with much less sun than we have available.... Why are Gov's so short sighted....

Anyway. Thats the story....just have to girn and bare it....any leads are most welcome.

Elle B

Dazzler · **Reply #166: September 29, 2012, 02:46:44**

That is crazy.. Gee I hope Tassie doesn't drop to 8c

Phil №❶ · **Reply #167: September 29, 2012, 03:32:55**

Quote from: ElleB on September 29, 2012, 02:43:47

HI Guys.... Thought I would just add a little info.
I have a 5Kw system and were with AGL in NSW, but only getting the 28c FIT....but that was better than nothing...but since Sept 1st they have dropped their rate to 8 cents only, they say on account of the NSW Gov withdrawing the subsidy.
Seems that no matter who you contact, there is no better rates available...
Oh ! for the Qld FIT... no wonder your laughing...seems that the NSW Gov have really crueled the whole concept, which in turn has put many a business under pressure, with a number going under.
The solar industry in Germany, I believe is running second only to Auto manufacture....and that is a country with much less sun than we have available.... Why are Gov's so short sighted....

Anyway. Thats the story....just have to girn and bare it....any leads are most welcome.

Elle B

I was under the impression that FIT's on existing installations were guaranteed to 2020, otherwise who would invest in a capital expense without the ability to define the ROI, that would be silly. Surferdude is able to forecast his break even point projection in 2017 based on known factors. I think you need to investigate this further.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #168: September 29, 2012, 04:00:49**

I don't know a lot about it, other than they also changed the rates (downwards of course) over here in the west, but the ones who were already locked in at the higher rates kept those higher rates, otherwise it would be a breach of contract.

ElleB · **Reply #169: September 29, 2012, 04:14:26**

Yes guys,

Thanks for the thoughts.....They , AGL , sent out a letter saying that I was never originally entitled to the full 28 C FIT and that there was an error in their"billing system"..

they also said that they would be "Gracious"....and not ask for the repayment of the additional FIT creditied...

They said that the NSW Gov had alrady withdrawn the 20c subsidy Apl 2011, prior to my 'Hooking up"....
Suffice to say, I am still looking into it...will discuss with Fair Trading and see what happens...

Not happy Jan!!!!

Elle B

Phil №❶ · **Reply #170: September 29, 2012, 04:30:05**

If that's correct then they're within their rights unfortunately. I signed up at the 52c rate then it dropped to 46c but mine has actually increased. Note, we are only paid on net feed in not gross like lucky Surferdude.

Surferdude · **Reply #171: September 29, 2012, 04:43:09**

@ElleB,
I have a mate in Merimbula who has solar and when I was down there in April he was telling me about Farry O'Barrell changing the FIT but because he had had his for some time he was safe (as are we).
So that would confirm what you have been told if you connected since then.
A shame and, as you say, terribly short-sighted of our governments but as you'll see back up in this thread, typically par for the course as far back as the early 2000's.

One cautionary tale at least for Queenslanders. If you are considering buying a house which has panels already fitted, the change to your name is considered a new connection so................back to 8c you go.
The State Gov't has at least agreed to have the situation reviewed in a couple of years once they are on top of the major debt hanging over our heads.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #172: September 29, 2012, 04:54:53**

Quote from: surferdude on September 29, 2012, 04:43:09

One cautionary tale at least for Queenslanders. If you are considering buying a house which has panels already fitted, the change to your name is considered a new connection so................back to 8c you go.

Yes, same in SA, and who is the big winner, they get your feed in & only pay 8c for it.

So much for adding resale value to your property.

Dazzler · **Reply #173: November 22, 2012, 21:38:58**

Just got our latest power bill (A$68 in credit) I pay some by Bpay each fortnight or so trying to pre-empt amount payable.. Total charges for the spring quarter = approx A$354 .. pretty happy with that as expecting about $400 after the recent (July) rate hike.

Reckon we've saved almost $1000 in 9 months which includes a winter quarter. Not bad considering our ten panel 2000W system only cost A$3100 installed. Just hope it stays reliable.

Be interesting to see the results (for the next quarter) if we get a warm dry summer as predicted

Doggie 1 · **Reply #174: November 23, 2012, 09:20:47**

Surferdude · **Reply #175: December 20, 2012, 20:32:08**

Our power bill came today.
Total of $430.69 in credit now.
Since they went in.
$18.03 (not quite a full period of solar power)
$116.59 CR
$149.83 CR
$163.81 CR

Nice Christmas present.

Dazzler · **Reply #176: December 20, 2012, 20:33:56**

What happens with that credit, can you redeem some to say pay your rego?

Surferdude · **Reply #177: December 20, 2012, 20:36:02**

We can ask for a cheque. For a couple of reasons we are waiting until the next one in March before requesting we get paid.
After that we'll be chasing them every quarter.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #178: December 20, 2012, 20:55:16**

Summer & long sunny days to come too, surferdude

Thanks too, Shambles

beerman · **Reply #179: December 21, 2012, 01:16:02**

Gotta love that tax free cash.

What other investment pays such a good tax free dividend, which does not affect any Government payment (Family tax, pension etc).

It has to be the best investment decision one could make.

The heat and humidity have been quite feral the last week, and we have been smashing the Air Conditioners. I just did some calculations then and not only will we not have a bill, but we will get a few bucks back. Not bad for the period I would have expected a $500 plus bill, (which I would have had to earn $650 to pay).

These overcast hot humid days are killing my yield