Solar Panels


Solar panels

A recent article on Mashable reports that Ikea has started selling solar panels in its Southampton, Engalnd store, and is planning to make them available to their other stores in the UK as well. It will be interesting to see whether having solar panels available for purchase in retail stores will lead to an increase in the number of people willing to invest in them.

Do you have solar panels installed in your home? What has been the impact on your energy bills? Would you recommend it to your family and friends? Why/why not?

If you don't have solar panels, is it something you have considered? What has kept you from getting them?

 

 

Posted by on 03 Oct 2013

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  • [0] [0]
    nice girl

    Yes! I have Solar panels and they save me heaps. My last energy bill prior to their installation was $450.00, that was 4 years ago. My latest bill was $18.80! They are the greatest!

    Posted by nice girl on 04 Jan 2014
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  • [0] [0]
    1957

    I have solar panels on my roof and it has been the best investment I have made but just be very careful which company you buy them from and I wouldn't them from retail stores because most of the sellers in the store don't know what they are talking about.

    Posted by 1957 on 16 Dec 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Kojo

    We have solar panels on our house  for around 5 years now they save 50 to 60 dollars off our power bill each time we also have solar hot water also a great money saver in the six years we've had solar water the electric booster has never been turned on.

    Posted by Kojo on 31 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Guin

    We have 8 solar panels and are looking to increase the number of them (in Qld). We also want to put in solar hot water. I think they are fantastic and have reduced our electricity bill by about two thirds. With the solar hot water, it will drop further. I read recently that there are solar paints being developed so a whole roof or car can be painted and used as an energy collector! Can't wait for that to happen! It would make the whole thing far easier!

    Posted by Guin on 15 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Jannifer

    We had solar heated pool and hot water both were too hot a nd it needs tobe refined before we would have it again. but I do belireve sky lights reduce electrical  bills . these should be used in all  new buildings including a pillar to service all floors in high rise i.e like a vertical flourecent tube .we have so much sunlight in Australia.   

    Posted by Jannifer on 09 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Angel92

    very interesting 

    Posted by Angel92 on 14 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Wendyelise

    If I had a housebus or truck I would have solar panels, also if I owned my own house I would use them as well, I want to get into hydro or aqua ponics using solar power would be a great help and cut down all power expenses

    Posted by Wendyelise on 08 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    beachcombermike

    I've had panels for a couple of years now, when I first got them my first couple of bills were down around 20 to 80 dollars for 3 months, since then the last labour crowd started "carbon taxes" and i'm now paying more than $300 per quarter out of my pocket (despite getting 60 cents per kilo watt hour for what electricity I put into the grid).  The panels at the moment are paying around $300 per 3 months, roll on the repeal of the labour partys carbon tax.  mike.  ps. I also have solar water heating (evacuated tube type).

    Posted by beachcombermike on 11 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    for real

    I've had a 2.5Kw solar system only for a couple of months and look forward to my first electricity bill, to compare. I'd always planned to install solar but the push, for me, was the fact I kept using less electricity to keep costs down, but the price kept increasing and I made no savings. There's a limit to how far you can economise. Regarding solar hot water systems - be aware that many areas won't generate enough in the winter, when you usually need more hot water; the cost is high for a summer-only saving. Please don't let retailers like Ikea sell panels. Think of how many stages/people involved from manufacturer to user and what you would do if there's a problem!

    Posted by for real on 08 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    CatyD

    We do not currently have solar panels for power, but are sving up for them.  Don't have solar hot water:  instead have a heat pump - more efficient than solar.  Solar hot water doesn't work if you have a week of overcast weather, but the heat pump works like a refrigerator, only in reverse.  We only use the grid power for hot water when the outside ambient temperature reaches 7degC or below.  Therefore a week of wet weather in Qld during summer equals power efficient hot water.  Same applies in winter.  I gather they have been in Europe for years, and the power savings are more than significant.  Govt used to (I hope they still do) give rebates if you installed this form of hot water system.  If you are installing or replacing hot water systems, check out a heat pump - you may be pleasantly surprised!

    Posted by CatyD on 08 Oct 2013
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  • [1] [0]
    Durrie

    I have now had solar panels for apprx 3years and would never ever buy a house without them My electricity bill has dropped by 90% am always in credit summer months and my winter bill is approx $50 per qtr .So i am saving and spending that on other priorities.

    Posted by Durrie on 08 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Leo

    would like one but cant afford it

    Posted by Leo on 06 Oct 2013
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  • [2] [0]
    CharlieBear4

    I have had solar panels for 18 months and find since installing them we are cost neutral on our bills. During the summer we build enough credit to pay for our winter bills essentially. Really happy with our 3kw system as it suits our needs. My only concern with having panels available retail is people may start trying to install them themselves without an electrician...sounds a bit risky because as we all know...there's always someone trying save costs by going DIY!

    Posted by CharlieBear4 on 06 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    ayjaybee

    I would consider them.   As I have been living in a joint-ownership property or rented i haven't had the chance to install them. I am not sure how much area I would need and I only have about 40m2 of roof and only half of that faces norht, if that makes a difference.

    Posted by ayjaybee on 06 Oct 2013
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    samuel64

    likewise i would def get for a home i owned

    Posted by samuel64 on 06 Oct 2013
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    Alyssa

    we don't own a solar panel at home but I would love to, just so it savea money. my grandpa said in out old house we owned a solar panel for hot water and I think it worked perfect because strwight after someone has shower uou could still have hot water and while someone is washing the dishes the water was still hot in the shower. i think solar panels are great for hot water I definetly recomend. 

    Posted by Alyssa on 05 Oct 2013
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  • [2] [0]
    tasha1974

    If we owned our own home, we would have Solar Panels, Wind Power and a Wet Back for our fireplace/hotwater. We would love to be off the grid as much as possible. I would even consider a Dish, for the internet etc... just to get away from the phone companies.

    Posted by tasha1974 on 05 Oct 2013
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  • [1] [0]
    mishiee56

    Well, I have heard so many stories about Solar Panels that are good and some that are really not so good. I have a Rental Property, and if I were to install them it would be a DIY. Then I would have to get the permision from the Housing Dept, to do it. If ever I was lucky enough to own my own house I would give it a go. I do believe that they work. My friend has them and really thinks that they are fantastic. I do not think that they would leave a larger Carbon Footprint than has been said by some one when I read through these replies. I believe that any thing that will save on energy has to be a bonus. Not just money wise, I mean who in their right mind wants big power bills. I shudder when I get my power bill, cause it's all electric in my home. However I do beleive that it would help to save our Planet any thing that helps is good as far as I am concerned.  

    Posted by mishiee56 on 05 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    frannymanny

    I used to have solar everything in my previous home.My present home has very old tiles on the roof and the building inspector said the wholw thing will need to be replaced within 5 years. I will need to save up for that and I dare not put panels on the tiles now or they may shatter before I have saved up.

    Posted by frannymanny on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [2] [1]
    itsmee

    Manufacturing solar panels leaves a bigger carbon footprint than they can ever save in their effectiveness lifetime

    Posted by itsmee on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    socker

    This is a rediculous as any sort manufacturing use power of some sort.  If we all went back to the days of the cavemen we would still create a carbon footprint.  The problem is with their method of producing power (open fire) the carbon footprint would be enormous.  

    Posted by socker on 14 Oct 2013
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  • [0] [0]
    Akkaydrah

    Producing PV cells uses a lot of power and dangerous chemicals but so does the extraction of coal or CNG to run powerstations.  One could get into the same arguement about CF globes but in the end it is about a whole of life including decreasing food miles by growing a lot of your own food in the ground, in poits or by aquaculture.  A few chooks and dwarf fruit trees help to seriously offset the carbon cost of PV cell production.

    Posted by Akkaydrah on 10 Oct 2013
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  • [3] [0]
    CragD

    On average Australia get so much sunshine hrs it's ludicrous that successive Federal Govt's haven't used this to our nation's advantage from a holistc principle, very long term. Every commercial building & private Australian home, both established & new-build should be incentived enough to have combined solar power/hot water systems installed on their roofs.  Simplistic concept it may seem, but consider the follwing.    A):  A sustainable "high quality" manufacturing & service industry will result because shonky fly-by-nighters will quickly be weeded out.   B):  Electricity prices will decrease over time.  C): Ageing obselete power infrustructure can be either massively updated or removed altogether, very much longer term.  D):  The general householder will retain more hard-earned disposable income taking pressure off strained budgets. E):  Lastly; our air will over time become much cleaner & environmental concerns addressed, innovation will increase & stupid political ideas like excessive Carbon Taxes, etc, won't even get a toe in the door.   Craig.

    Posted by CragD on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [1] [0]
    wanddnaw

    There is only 2 in our houshold and the solar panels have been a great help, epecially on a low income.  One thing I did learn was to use your power as little as you can during the day as the Govt pays to receive the solar power and living in Qld that is during the day time and if I use the power then I do not get as much from the Govt (at a higher rate than the power charges) So I now do the washing and dishwasher at night.  I do not have solar water so until I get an electriciat to change it to off-peak I turn the water off every morning and back on as I am going to bed.   Excelllent saving.

    Posted by wanddnaw on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [1] [0]
    MAXWELLHOUSE

    Having a rental property has made it hard to install solar panels, the owner doesn't want to pay in to it even though it would increace the value of the home here in Australia, I would love to have them installed but do not have the funds avalible to do it

    Posted by MAXWELLHOUSE on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [1] [0]
    deeceedee

    very interesting i wonder if they come with a set of allen keys.douglas

    Posted by deeceedee on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [2] [0]
    Steven

    We have Solar ,I think is good.But the energy  you pruduce should be brought back at least for the same price as what is the energy supplier is selling to you. As far is that is concern is a hoax.

    Posted by Steven on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [1] [0]
    kittykat

    I agree they should pay the same price. I have had solar hot water for some years now and love it I also put in a solar electricity unit two years ago which is great as well but it seems that every time people are encouraged to be efficient and careful energy users by the Government and the Gas,Electricity and Water Companies they charge you more for doing the right thing. Because they plan a budget for the following year for a certain amount when we save they put their rates up to meet that budget. I find that the GST cost is almost the same total as the so called savings which almost cancels it out.If this didnot happen the savings would be a lot better.

    Posted by kittykat on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [3] [0]
    str8jaket

    We have had solar panels on for approx 2yrs, and although they are west facing and only 1.5kw, we've only had 2 very low bills during winter. We were extremely lucky to get in just in time with the 68c FIT, so of course that helps. But I think anything that helps with saving money on power is brilliant. Would highly recommend, as the prices for power are just going through the roof and I honestly don't think I would manage if it wasn't for the solar panels. The Government should do more to give people the incetive to have them installed, and so should the power companies...as I've been told that the FIT at the moment is only 8c, which is ridiculous.

    Posted by str8jaket on 04 Oct 2013
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  • [2] [0]
    DebZeb

    I don't have solar panels. It is interesting reading everyones comments. If I could I would have them installed. Maybe in the future. The energy bills are way to high. The next hot water system I get I will be looking at getting solar.

    Posted by DebZeb on 03 Oct 2013
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  • [2] [0]
    Elizabeth

    I have had solar panels on homes I have owned and my parents and would definitely recommend them. They work very well in qld as we have so much sunlight hours, it saved money and if I ever own a home again I would get them again.

    Posted by Elizabeth on 03 Oct 2013
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  • [3] [0]
    Beverley

    I have solar panels insouthern South Australia.  January is the only month I have a credit of $5, not a bill.  I'm sure it helps, but its not the silver bullet.  I think a solar got water heater would help.

    Posted by Beverley on 03 Oct 2013
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  • [4] [1]
    Akkaydrah

    We have had solar (PV) cells since 1986 and have not had a power bill. Our home is totally off the grid even though the power is at the front gate.   We use wind turbine and LPG generator as backup.  Total annual cost is about $200 for maintenance, saving for new batteries (about 10 year replacement) and some LPG.  Solar hotwater and a flue booster together with a passive heat capture and ducting in winter means that we can live free of the big end of town.  Cooking is done on LPG stove and oven at about $110 per 15months (1 X 45Kg cylinder).  We recommend to all our friends that they become self sufficient and not rely on unreliable power companies.  We have payed out our initial investment by saving more than $800 per year based on average $1200 annual power bills.  Heat from wood we burn is captured at 4 points and we plant more trees to offset carbon and provide for future fuel.

    Posted by Akkaydrah on 03 Oct 2013
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  • [3] [0]
    DebZeb

    I really admire what you are doing Akkaydrah, inbeing self-sufficient.

    Posted by DebZeb on 03 Oct 2013
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  • [5] [0]
    godsbaby

    If I owned my own house I would have Solar Panels. I would recommend them, as they were in a house that I rented once. Also a sky-light. I love sky-lighting and would be sure to have it if I was to build my own house.. I remember hearing that you can have Solar Panels installed on a payment plan. I would hate to think of the DIY, gone wrong stories.. 

    Posted by godsbaby on 03 Oct 2013
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