Solar power options/opinions 2021

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rogercruse

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#2640359 22-Jan-2021 22:13

Blurtie:.. I assume that as you're in a new build now that your house is a lot more energy efficient compared to your older home (i.e. using less electricity in general anyway)? Or was that a new build too?

@Blurtie Yes, the first house was nearly new build (three years old).

FineWine

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Nurse (R)

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#2640644 23-Jan-2021 16:17

Correction to above statement: it is going back into the grid now via the already previously installed TrustPower Smart Meter. I was under the impression it wasn't because CCC had not been issued.

The proof will be in the next bill.

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Blurtie

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#2641385 25-Jan-2021 08:55

RickW:

Yea, tell me about it. Nope they couldn’t do anything about it but they are the kind of people that winge about anything so it was easier to pay a little more and keep them quiet.

I wouldn’t be so sure, our latest bill was 3 weeks solar and one week before it was installed and we used -99 units. Check out Power Switch

Yup i got a quote from skysolar too.

I ultimately went with Harrison’s for 2 reasons. The first is that the sales guy is also the owner of the company and he bent over backwards and is extremely knowledgeable about the the equipment he sells and when he didn’t know the answer he wouldn’t bs about it he said straight up he wasn’t sure and found out the answers. Second, they weren’t pushy.

Thanks Rick, will definitely look to give Harrison's a call when the time comes!

Blurtie

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#2641390 25-Jan-2021 09:09

FineWine:

Correction to above statement: it is going back into the grid now via the already previously installed TrustPower Smart Meter. I was under the impression it wasn't because CCC had not been issued.

The proof will be in the next bill.

Thanks for the detailed info! Very cool.

Was the diverter also supplied by Harrison's? And if so, is this included as part of the install? As I only have gas HW, I'm just trying to figure out if it would be worthwhile getting one installed just in case.. But it sounds like it's easy enough to retro-fit when the time comes?

FineWine

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Nurse (R)

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#2641529 25-Jan-2021 11:19

Blurtie:

Was the diverter also supplied by Harrison's? And if so, is this included as part of the install? As I only have gas HW, I'm just trying to figure out if it would be worthwhile getting one installed just in case.. But it sounds like it's easy enough to retro-fit when the time comes?

Yes the Energy Diverter - eddi EcoSmart Microgen Energy Diverter is being supplied by Harrisons and is all part of the install and quoted price but it is an optional extra. Its cost = $1,495.00. And yes it would be easy enough to retro-fit. However in our case it has not been installed yet as we are awaiting deliver due to port delays, hence why we have not paid the final 50% and Harrisons has not asked us to either. (another plus to Harrisons)

However as you say, at the moment you will not need this component as you have gas HW. What the diverter does is basically, automatically or manually, control how much of the solar power is diverted to power; electric hot water, underfloor electric heating, Electric Vehicle charging and even Heat Pumps/aircon units so long as they are on a separate circuit/s. Eventually we do plan on getting an EV so will get a proper EV house circuit and components wired in which we will hook into the diverter system using an additional component is called a Zappi. Do not know the cost.

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Blurtie

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#2641730 25-Jan-2021 16:09

Awesome, thanks for that info. Good to know.

Seriously considering the Harrisons/Trustpower buy back deal. At the very least, seems like a good discount towards any electricity you need to import. Especially during winter where production wouldn't be as high. I wonder if you were to bundle in broadband at the same time if you would qualify for the 'free' reward as well? I'm sure there must be some small print somewhere that probably says you can't...

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FineWine

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Nurse (R)

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#2641761 25-Jan-2021 16:51

Have a chat to TrustPower. Knowledge is power = $ savings.

😀

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

ANglEAUT

altered-ego
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#2641920 25-Jan-2021 21:03

FineWine: ... Eventually we do plan on getting an EV so will get a proper EV house circuit and components wired in which we will hook into the diverter system using an additional component is called a Zappi. Do not know the cost.

Zappi ?
Zappi ?
Zappi ?
Zappi ? 😆

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

Blurtie

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#2642411 26-Jan-2021 15:24

FineWine:

Have a chat to TrustPower. Knowledge is power = $ savings.

😀

Thanks FineWine, yes I will do. Love me a good freebie.

So with my research - it looks like i can get $2k over 4 years from Kiwibank, if I sign on to Trustpower for a 24month term I will get a buyback rate of 16c/kwh (upto 500 units per month - which for simplicity amounts to $80pm, although I'm sure production during Winter may/may not get there). Having a look at their advertised rates, it looks like I'll at least get the same if not lower rate to import.. And if I add on broadband, I might be able to get one of their 'free' rewards also (but need to call and confirm). It's all pointing in a good direction..

FineWine

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Nurse (R)

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#2642435 26-Jan-2021 16:31

@Blurtie Have you been following the other solar thread ?

Solar Power Energy Solutions

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Blurtie

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#2643445 28-Jan-2021 11:34

FineWine:

@Blurtie Have you been following the other solar thread ?

Solar Power Energy Solutions

Hi @FineWine - yes I have :) thanks for the detailed updates.

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