I have seen quite a few solar power advertisements that try to fool you!
They say something like:
5kw Inverter
16 x 260 watt Panels
Free Installation
You might think you are getting a 5kW System
The Truth
What you are getting is a 4.16KW system.
It is the panels that determine the maximum output . . . . . .16 x 0.26kW = 4.16kW
In fact this system would run more efficiently with a 4kW inverter than the advertised model as inverters are at their most efficient close to their advertised rating.
My own system has 3.3kw of Panels with a 3kW Inverter, and very rarely generates the full 3.0kW, and then only for a few minutes.
The experts say that the best combination is when the rating of the panels exceeds the inverter rating by around one third.
This post Lower Output Reasons explains why the output from the panels may be lower than you might think.
Now I have around 6 months data, and the Feed In Rate (FIR) has increased I thought I would check on how well the investment is going.
Power Use
Currently we use electricity for lighting, space heating, cooling, some cooking and general domestic use.
Between our 3.3kw of panels being switched on in late January and the 15th July the following data has been recorded.
Power generated by panels: 1,801 kwhrs
Power fed into grid: 1,389 kwhrs
Power from grid: 1,158 kwhrs
As you can see I have actually put 231 kw hrs more into the grid than I have taken out.
In a full year I should be putting around 460kw hrs more into the grid than I take out, so we are now ‘Carbon Positive’ in relation to electricity use.
Cost Benefit
To calculate typical ongoing annual savings I have based all rates on the latest rates from our supplier Powershop (From 1st July)
Grid Power cost $0.271
Feed In Tariff $0.118
Annual Grid Power Costs Saving = (1,801 – 1,389) x 2 x $0.271 = $223.30
Annual income from FIT = 1,389 x 2 x 0.118 = $327.80
Total Annual Benefit = $223 + $327 = $550
Annual Return on our $4,450 system = 12% (Around 4 times better than we could get at the bank)
Edit
After a years operation I find that the actual amount generated has been 4,310kwhrs an additional 509kwhrs over my original estimated annual output.
As we were overseas for the three months of winter I don’t have a realistic figure for what a typical usage would be so I am assuming that the all the additional power would go to Feed in Tariff (FIT)
This would make the revised calculations:
Annual Grid Power Costs Saving = (1,801 – 1,389) x 2 x $0.271 = $223.30
Annual income from FIT = 3486 x 0.118 = $411.34
Total Annual Benefit = $223 + $411 = $634
Annual Return on our $4,450 system = 14% (More than 4 times better than we could get at the bank)
Well I only found out about them a couple of weeks ago.
Basically they are a nationwide group of people that support a more sustainable future.
Amongst other things they are campaigning for are ‘Better Feed In’ rates for people with Soalr PV panels on their roof . . . . they believe a fair rate for Feed In Tariffs is between $0.10 and $0.18 rather than the $0.05 to $0.08 you might be currently getting!
With all the publicity about rising gas prices the gas networks must be feeling the heat. (AAAARGH what a shocking ‘Dad’ Joke)
Why else would I find an article on my Facebook feed entitled ‘Three Reasons Why Natural Gas Is Better Than Electricity’
Like a lot of advertising there is a fair bit of Bull Dust around so lets look at what they say, (with my comments in Italics afterwards)
1. It’s always there when you need it
Natural gas infrastructure allows distributors to deliver gas to customers on demand, without the supply and reliability issues associated with electricity. In fact, when it comes to reliability, Australia’s natural gas network experiences only one unplanned outage, on average every 40 years.
But when it happens it can be a big one! After the Longford Gas Disaster in 1998 the Whole of Victoria had no gas for more than 2 weeks. Daily cold showers over that one period was worse than the total of around 50 hours (say 2 hours a year) of power cuts over the last 25 years! We were just happy that we didn’t have gas cooking.
Also what about these articles on the upcoming Gas Shortage that forced Malcolm Turnbull to step in
2. It’s up to 40% cheaper than electricity to use
Natural gas has always been consistently affordable and is likely to continue to be so well into the future. Unlike electricity, where increased consumption drives your tariffs higher, generally the more gas appliances you install the more you can save. This is because in most cases, the cost per unit of gas decreases as consumption increases.
While gas appliances may cost a little more to install initially, running costs are generally lower. This means that using natural gas almost always works out cheaper in the long run.
For example, take one cook top and hot water system running in an average Australian household for one year:
Running on electricity, the cost would be $1,156 p.a. in South Australia and $1,235 p.a. in Victoria.
Running on natural gas, the cost would be $782 p.a. in South Australia and $725 p.a. in Victoria.
Installing a heat pump would save 50 – 60% of the electricity costs. That would bring electricity costs down to below gas. A solar hot water system with electric boosting could save more . . . . and think of the savings if you could get rid of the gas standing charge!
3. It produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than electricity
Yes, natural gas is a fossil fuel, but it is also far more environmentally friendly than electricity. Its chemical structure is quite different to coal, meaning its emissions are much lower.
Here are some quantifiable examples of why natural gas is a better environmental choice:
In South Australia, a gas powered hot water system emits 67% less CO2 than an electric equivalent
In Victoria, a gas powered hot water system emits 83% less CO2 than an electric equivalent
The emissions from a natural gas powered hot water system is on par with those produced by a system using 50% renewable energy and 50% coal electricity mix.
Gas currently delivers 44% of Australia’s household energy, but only produces 13% of household greenhouse gas emissions
Gas has a higher yield rate* from extraction to delivery (90%) compared to electricity, making it far more efficient.
With either of the alternatives mentioned in my response to Point 2 above the CO2 for electricity drops dramatically. I also have 3kw of solar panels on the roof of my 2 bedroom unit, on current performance it looks like I will be generating more power than I consume* . . . . Net effect no CO2 generated.
Although gas does have a higher yield rate what they don’t say is gas appliances have a lower efficiency typically 70 – 90% compared to electricity. Even the most basic electricity heater is 100% efficient. Some heat pumps are better than 300% efficient (for every kw going into the unit it delivers 3kw of heat)
Conclusion
If you want good advice on hot water, cooking, and heating your property don’t rely on the gas networks (or the electricity networks) . . . . find some independent advice, like this blog.
*Between when my solar system was switched at the end of January 2017, and 15th May 2015, I have generated 510kwhrs more power than we have used. I know I won’t be generating as much for the next few colder months, but I did miss out on a peak generating month of January.
As a property owner, it is quite common to spend around $300-$400 on utility bills every month.
Sometimes, it can even go as high as $500!
This can be a hard pill to swallow.
Fortunately, you can reduce your utility bills by doing a few renovations and we have gathered some that are worth trying.
8 Ways to Save on Your Water and Electric Bill
1. Look at your Hot Water System
If you own rental properties, then you clearly have a real estate investment to take care of.
That means you have to be willing to do renovations that would help you reduce the utility bills to keep your tenants happy and content.
Heating hot water is one of the biggest power users in your home, and these days there are several alternatives.
A Solar Hot Water, or a Heat Pump, are both alternatives that can save between 60% and 90% of water heating costs.
2. Upgrade the Clothes Washer
With an energy-saving washer, it is possible to save water that could fill up three backyard swimming pools!
That means you’ll be able to save $135 per year, especially if you’re still using a washer that’s over 10 years old.
3. Weather-stripping Should Be Applied
Contrary to popular belief, weather-stripping is not that difficult to install, but the effects it could have are definitely life changing.
For instance, without weather-stripping, you can feel the cold wind coming through your doors, but once it has been installed, it will be able to keep the rain and air from coming in and out of the room.
It’s also an inexpensive project that wouldn’t take much of your time to install.
Even those without any home improvement skills are capable of putting these on.
4. Making Use Of A Smart Meters
More and more homes now have a smart meter, but are you taking full advantage of it?
Most electricity providers allow you to check your power use on an hourly basis using a phone app.
However, you ought to know that smart metering programs do vary, but the basic idea is the same.
We use that to ensure that we are minimising power usage when the tariffs are high and maximise it when power is either low cost, or free (If you have solar power).
5. Install Low Flow Fixtures
In Australia most properties now have low flow showerheads.
Don’t forget that other fittings can also be converted to low flow.
A small investment like this would allow you to save as much as 60% on your water bills.
6. Install Timers
Timers ensure that your water heater is turned off at night or when it is not in use.
If you do this, you will never forget to turn off the heater during peak hours.
7. Replace Your Existing Lights with LEDs
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) used to be one of the most effective ways to save money.
These typically use half the power of CFLs (85% of incandescent bulbs), start faster than CFLs and last around 15,000 hours.
8. Look at Installing Solar Panels
With the popularity of solar power on the roof Photo Voltaic (PV) Panels have never been cheaper.
With continually rising power prices the installation price can be recovered in a few years
Final Words
We all want to go green and be able to lower our utility bills.
By following these tips, you will be able to save a lot of money from utility costs.
You will also be able to ensure the satisfaction of any tenants you may have, at the same time.
Would you believe that with strategic landscaping, you would be able to save money, increase property value, and make your place look more appealing?
Yes, you read it right, by following some of these property renovations, you will be able to conserve energy through landscaping.
6 Ways to Save Energy Through Landscaping
1. Pay Attention to the Wind
The first on the list of our property maintenance tips would be to pay attention to the wind and utilize fences or shrubs to guide direct cooling breezes to your property.
Aside from that, you will also be able to stop the sun from directly hitting your home and turning it into an oven. You should also consider planting large evergreen trees on the west side of your home, as it would effectively block the hot rays of the afternoon summer sun.
Drought-tolerant plants are also helpful, because they could decrease the effects of humidity as well.
Also refrain from directly planting thirsty plants near your home. . . Instead, put them in the corners of your garden.
2. Proper Shading Is Also Important
You also have to pay attention to where you are going to plant the trees.
Many landscapers suggest that you plant them on the west windows and the east should be your next priority.
Also, choose a tree that could be planted within 20 feet of the window, and would be at least 10 feet taller than your window. By doing so, you will have the assurance that you will get ample shade from it.
If you are thinking of planting a tree to protect you from the noon sun think again.
During summer, the sun is high at noon, which means that the tree shadow would fall directly under it, and would not be able to shade your home.
On the other hand, during winter, the shadow of the tree would fall on the house all throughout the day. Thus, it is not efficient at all.
3. Natural, Organic Mulches Are Heaven-Sent
If you’ve been doing DIY landscaping for the past few years, you probably know by now that watering flowerbeds are nothing but a necessity; since all plants need water, even the healthy ones.
However, there are also steps that could help you improve the health of your plants, and make them last longer even if you fail to regularly water them.
Not just that, it is also possible to make them heat resistant.
Organic mulches, such as wood chips are perfect for this.
You simply have to place the mulch around the roots of the trees and flowerbeds.
4. Maximize Dead Spaces
If you want to insulate your home in both summer and winter, then you should consider planting shrubs, vines, and bushes close to your property.
Make sure that as they mature they is space between them and your house as well as from each other.
5. Be Responsible When Watering
If you really want to control your energy use, it is important that you become responsible on how you use water.
According to the US EPA, its ideal to water your plants when the weather is cool, this is early morning.
Likewise, the sprinklers should be set to water only selected areas.
This would also help you prevent wasting water on other parts of the yard.
Invest in rainwater tanks and you can use the water you have collected for watering your plants.
Do not forget to check the taps, hoses, and plumbing to see if there are any leaks that need fixing.
6. Go Manual Whenever You Can
During the hot summer months, it is ideal to modify and raise the mower’s cutting height to let the grasses grow long.
This would not only shade the roots, but would also reduce the occurrence of browning.
As for the equipment, use manual tools whenever possible in order to conserve energy.
If you really have to use larger equipment, then just rent or borrow one. This would prevent you from overspending.
Final Words
Having a green landscape on your property can be your first step toward a more sustainable conservation movement.
Although it might seem like it will not do much, after quite some time, you will realize that there is great potential behind it.
By making your landscape more energy efficient, you will be able to save a few dollars, which you can spend on other things.
One problem with solar systems that I only found out about after my solar system was installed is the effects of ‘High Grid Voltage’.
How I found out
The system that I bought had a Fronius Inverter which includes a quite comprehensive monitoring and reporting program.
Soon after the system was installed I started getting e mail reports with the following message: “4 – Gradual voltage dependend power reduction” with a time and date.
The time and date coincided with power output drops like the one shown in the graph below. (at around 10.30am)
This output drop occurred on a cloudless day.
On talking with the systems supplier Essential Solar they were able to access the inverter’s data and identify the problem as High Grid Voltage.
Grid Voltage
I must say when I thought about grid voltage at all I thought it was around 220-240 volts.
Australian Standard AS 60038 however, says the nominal mains voltage is 230 volts. . . . . what that means is 230 volts +10%, – 6%, i.e. 216.2 to 253 V.
In practise the electrical distributors seem to set their systems up to run above 230 volts.
The problem is that if the grid voltage exceeds 254 volts a modern inverter is designed to throttle back, and shut down at 255 volts.
In my case the grid voltage was typically around 253 at 6.00am in the morning.
As soon as my solar panels, and the panels of my neighbours, started to generate the extra power pushed into the grid caused the voltage to rise further.
Solution
Once the problem was identified Essential Solar took up my case with the Electrical Distributor (who is legally required to ensure that the voltage stays within the 216.2 – 253 volt range)
The solution however does take some time as follows:
A week for the electrical distributor to install voltage monitoring equipment on our local substation.
2 weeks of monitoring the voltage.
1 week to evaluate the results,
6 weeks (30 working days) to install equipment to ensure the voltages will in future be within the required range.
