Solar to Battery Off Grid System
Off Grid Solar System Research
I did a lot of research before choosing the system I wanted and the company I trusted to give me the best advice and to do the job right. Being involved with the Off Grid Expo with a definite advantage, as I had to do research anyway for the website. Plus I was able to speak to different companies about the systems and check out not just pricing but also their knowledge.
I read so many reviews about different systems and while there were a few good ones, I liked Sigenergy due to a number of reasons.
I liked the look, the ease of use and the app.
Plus I had seen the system up close at the previous Off Grid Expo.
Once I had chosen a system I then went about getting quotes and talking to different companies.
I found each gave different advice and information about the rebate, which was troubling, so I decided to go to the source. I spoke with the people who set out the guidelines for the rebate and was given the correct information, then went to the company that had told me the same information and requested a quote.
This was a hands-on process from the start. They came out and inspected my roof, took lots of photos and used a drone to get an accurate view of the roof and the way the sun fell upon it.
Everything was explained in easy to understand language. I knew what I was getting and how it would work.
Once I received the quote, I went about getting 2 more. Both were more expensive and did not explain much at all, I had to ask questions continually to get the information I wanted.
One thing that was always different was the information about getting the rebate for the batteries. I don’t know if they genuinely didn’t know or if it was simply the systems they were recommending and selling were not compliant. When I asked if they could use Sigenergy they said no.
So the decision was easy in the end, as one place ticked all my boxes. Local, good customer service and follow up, the system I wanted. I ordered the system, paid my deposit and we set an install date.
Installation Day
We are a 2 person household that is why we chose a 3 battery system based on a year of our power usage, including summer and winter.
This can be added to if needed.
Installation Information
A week before the installation date Hayden came out and did a final check over to confirm location of the system and to advise that the electrician would be coming in before to make a couple of necessary changes to the Switch Board. Everything was set. I might add it had been raining every day the past week so I was a bit worried.
2 days before the government changed legislation regarding safety standards for the installation and we had to change the location of the batteries. Hayden and Dan both came out to discuss alternative locations. This was done with no hassle or stress to me, and we came up with a new location which turned out to be better anyway as it allowed me to add additional batteries if needed in the future.
Installation Day
The weather was perfect, everything went off without a single problem. Three new people came with Dan, they were the specialist electricians, and they were lovely. Friendly, polite, clean and they explained what they were doing and answered a few extra questions I thought of. The solar panels were removed and new ones installed. All the wiring was sorted ready for connection the next day. It is quite a big job, with so many aspects, so I can see why you need specialist solar installers to do the job, and why it is a stipulation from the government for customers to be eligible for the battery rebate.
The next day was the same, no hassles, just quick steady work and we were up and running and the batteries were being charged that day. I will add there was already around 50% battery charge before it was connected so we had plenty for the night.
We were shown how to do everything, including a video about restarting the system after a lightning strike. How to run the generator, how the app works etc.
We are very happy with every aspect from start to finish.
We have been living off the grid now for a full month and have the system worked out. We start getting power coming in from the panels around 7am as the days are getting shorter now, a month ago they were charging from 6:30am. By 9:30 – 10am we are fully charged and operating at 100%. This continues until around 5pm and then the power coming in starts to drop off and we are using slightly more than we are making. Overnight our usage is around 0.4 – 0.8 depending on what we are using. Every morning since the installation we have had around 70% battery still available.
Even on overcast and rainy days we still had enough power coming in to charge the batteries, it was just slower. So far it’s been perfect and more than we need but we do realise there will be times when the weather is bad for a week so that is why we have the generator. It comes on automatically if it is needed.
By the time this year’s Off Grid Expo comes around we will have been living with the new setup for 5 months, so I will be giving a more in depth talk about it at the Expo. I will also be able to answer any questions you may have.
battery stack with inverter
3 batteries with the inverter at the top which is nice and neat.
GATEWAY
Allows the inverter to supply power normally when off grid.
mySigen App
Allows you to monitor your systems from anywhere.
This is package I ended up buying
SIGENSTOR HYBRID PACKAGE
1x Sigenstor Hybrid / Off Grid compatible inverter 12KW.
1x Sigenstor Ground mount kit
1x Sigenstor Gateway
3x Sigenstor Battery 8KWH
35x JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 JAM54D41-440/LB (440W)
Westinghouse iGen10000AS 10kw Generator, Auto start sinewave output.
10 Year manufacturer’s warranty on all components excluding gateway –
Gateway has 5 year warranty
Fully installed by our CEC / NETCC / Off Grid and Hybrid
Approved installers with a 10 year workmanship guarantee.
2-year domestic use warranty on Generator
SOLAR REBATE GST FREE 106.00 (38.00) GST Free (4,028.00)
Cheaper home battery rebate program.
Valued at $37.00 per point accumulated GST Free.
Battery rebate is only available to clients who qualify for the program by meeting the
requirements set out by the regulator.
1. Interlink fire alarm system if the battery unit is to be installed internally. Alarm system must be in compliance.
2. Main switchboard meets or exceeds Australian standards, Safety switch resettable RCBO’s are required for this compliance on all circuits.
3. If separate to the main home in a garage or shed, you will not require an interlinked alarm system. A simple bunnings alarm will suffice.
Off Grid Customers
1. The home is at least 1km from grid supply
OR
2. Connecting to the grid would cost more than $30,000.00
OR
3. Battery and Inverter system is VPP Capable should the customer decide to connect to the grid at a later date.
Westinghouse Generator
Solar panels on both sides
Event Organisers:
Dee White: dee@offgridexpo.com.au
0434 630 510
Di Woodstock: di@offgridexpo.com.au
0419 224 628
Event Organisers
Dee White
dee@offgridexpo.com.au
0434 630 510
Di Woodstock
di@offgridexpo.com.au
0419 224 628