Energy Matters Forums

[superchargedguy]

God I am soooooo confused by all of this solar panel/inverter stuff. How does the layperson make a sensible decision. Okay the basics I require are as follows: Reputable installation company and no Chinese components.
I am keen on the E19 solar panels or the QCells but the goss suggests that QCells are in financial trouble. The rep I have been chatting to says that E19's are a great panel but they are negative earth which therefore determines the type of inverter I must buy. I like the SMA Sunnyboys but he says these will not suit the E19 panels. He recommends the Fronius IG20 which sounds a bit gutless to me as my parameters are for a 4-4.5kw system. Isn't the Fronius IG 20 made for 2kw system and if not what does the 20 mean (2000) in the name of the inverter? Basically I want a high quality 4-4.5 kw system and an inverter that will produce this amount of power. Any advice on products would be appreciated.

[Tracker]

God I am soooooo confused by all of this solar panel/inverter stuff. How does the layperson make a sensible decision. Okay the basics I require are as follows: Reputable installation company and no Chinese components..

BAD LUCK, you have failed befor you have got off the ground.. Most all are made in China.

If you are dead set demanding of "Another Maker" then you will be paying a deal for if, and then you will be asking ""WHY ""

I have Chinese panels and inverters and they work great.
A neighbour was offered a fully european system where all the components were Chinese made, but for German principals.. They paid TWICE as much and the system is total crap, producing far less that the Chinese 'rubbish' next door, but it's from a top installer/supplier in Peakhurst - The owners must be so very happy

I am keen on the E19 solar panels or the QCells but the goss suggests that QCells are in financial trouble. The rep I have been chatting to says that E19's are a great panel but they are negative earth which therefore determines the type of inverter I must buy. I like the SMA Sunnyboys but he says these will not suit the E19 panels. ....

Go for whatever you want, but the best advice is simply go for the best price (from a reliable installer).
My first system cost $10,000, and I could get it today, for $2500 (cost), and I really can't imagine what tomorrow..
My point is that at $1.5K for an installed packaged system (1.5Kw), I could replace it in five years and still be in front of you and your "Quality System".
There is a great deal of great-performing cheap stuff out there.. especially now that the market in Australia has collapsed, thanks to the Rangar'.
NOW - you are slightly different as you want a BIG system, where you will not get the same Govt. Assistance.
So, in my mind, it is even more important to get the lowest price ... IMHO

PS - Where are you ?
..
.

[CarbonFootie]

Hi

I have just bought a system from a company in Perth (Balcatta) and its really good. Its a 1.5kw system with 8 panels for $1388. It is chinese and after speaking to a friend who has a German system mine is heaps better. The company is called Carbon Footie and their customer service and after care is second to none. I think their number is 1300897441. Best buy of the year by far.

[Gordon-Loomberah]

Hi Caroline, isn't it surprising how your user name appears to be the same as the company you are so very happy with after they did your installation.
Oh look! your email also seems to be @carbonfootie.com.au as well! Thats got to be the most amazing coincidence!
You seem to be a little unsure of your own phone number, but I can confirm that you have remembered it correctly

I'm sure the ACCC would be very interested in your posting!

[CarbonFootie]

Hi Gordon

Yes the company that I now have just started with fitted my system and I got the job through that. I started here about a week ago and I love it. I think the company is very good at what they do and only thought right to tell everyone about it.

I hope I havent offended anyone just also my opinion on a fantastic system.

Thank you very much for your reply

[Gordon-Loomberah]

It isn't a matter of offending people, its more a matter of disclosing a personal interest in the business up front, rather than giving the impression of being independent. It is good that you've come clean about your involvement now but really, timing is everything!

Wikipedia covers the concept a bit here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shill

[cws]

Hi caroline as you seem to want use the forum FOR SELF PROMOTION , please continue by adding the business you represent to the hundreds of other untested , inexperienced operations that litter the solar installation landscape. You've done the business more harm than good