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Home > Reviews From Solar Power System Owners
We have asked people that brought a solar power system after getting 3 quotes through My Solar Quotes how their solar power systems are going! We asked:
What size system did you install?
How long has your solar power system been running for?
How did you find the solar installation?
How have you found the performance of the solar power system?
Do you have any other comments that you would like to share with New Zealanders thinking about going solar?
Review Date: 08/02/2016
Size: 2.5 kW
Running for: 3 months
Comments on the installation: "My Solar was installed and commissioned by "World Solar" and the company gave me a great customer experience. The installers were very competent, qualified and efficient. The Project Manager was very friendly and approachable. He responded promptly to any queries or concerns. He was available in the weekends as well. World Solar went an extra-mile in helping me negotiate an Import-Export Meter from my electricity supplier. I am very thankful to this Company."
Comments on the system performance: "The Solar has made a significant difference in my Power Bill and I am happy about making the choice of having Solar to top up my electricity supply."
Advice: "Solar System is an investment that will provide savings to a household in a long run. In addition to this, Solar adds value to your House."
Review Date: 07/02/2016
Size: 2kW
Running for: 1.5 months
Comments on the installation: "I was most impressed with the efficiency and expertise displayed by the representatives of What Power Crisis who did the installation. The actual physical work was done in half a day, but Trustpower took several weeks to arrange and complete the electrical connection."
Comments on the system performance: "It has been almost continuously putting out slightly over 2kW per day, obviously due to a magnificent spell of weather in Wellington!"
Advice: "I can't wait for a suitable storage device to be developed so that I can cut my ties with Trustpower completely, I find the seven cents a kWh I get back from them an insult when they are charging me about 30 cents for what they sell to me."
Review Date: 20/01/2016
Size: 2.6 kW
Running for: 3 months
Comments on the installation: "The installers were very competent and a very professional approach to the whole project, Though did miss-measure and drill a hole in our new carpet!"
Comments on the system performance: "The performance has been great and though only a minimum size ,our savings have been about $100 per month."
Advice: "Just do it--all homes should be fitted with solar as of Law. The savings on fuel , oil and pollution would be huge."
Review Date: 07/01/2016
Size: 3 kW
Running for: 3 months
Comments on the installation: "Generally fast and tidy, but once installed I had to wait another 2 weeks before it was operational because I had to wait for the inverter."
Comments on the system performance: "It's been good but there is room for improvement. I think a Tesla power wall sometimes in the not too distant future might be one answer."
Advice: "Always bear in mind that peak power consumption is mornings and evenings when solar delivers very little at best."
Review Date: 06/01/2016
Size: 3 kW
Running for: 2 months
Comments on the installation: "Installation went well except water heater timer was not installed until about 6 weeks later and water heating was not included in the solar power until the timer was installed. Consequently savings were limited."
Comments on the system performance: "The solar power system appears to be performing well, and seems to be producing plenty of electricity (average 12 to 16kw a day). Not sure if saving money, but may have a better idea when the import/export meter is installed."
Advice: "Too soon to make meaningful comments - maybe in another 6 months."
Review Date: 23/12/2015
Size: 5 kw
Running for: 30 days
Comments on the installation: "I am a builder and think they the whole team were very professional."
Comments on the system performance: "Still working thru that but sure we be on the win."
Advice: "Nothing to lose talked to a friend tonight and they will convert shortly."
Review Date: 26/11/2015
Size: 4 kW
Running for: 7 weeks
Comments on the installation: "Great. Installers were considerate and made sure we were happy with each part of the installation especially the placement of the inverter."
Comments on the system performance: "Yes performance great. Amazed that on some days we were producing more than 4 kW. Since installation early October we have not produced less than 10 kW. Our record day so far was this week when we produced 28.5 kW. Power bill down by $80 the first month but hopefully this will increase with summer."
Advice: "Down side of solar if you are not getting batteries installed is that you still use power at night - TV, lights, oven etc. The power companies charge you around 4x the price for your imported power as your exported power."
Review Date: 24/11/2015
Size: 5kw
Running for: 6 weeks
Comments on the installation: "Very efficient. Nice to talk too. Took about 5hrs to install."
Comments on the system performance: "Production is good. Have saved about $20.00 on our first a/c. Will hope for a wee bit more over summer."
Advice: "A great way to cut costs. I have done this with retirement in mind to reduce household expenses. If you can afford the initial outlay I would strongly recomend."
Review Date: 21/10/2015
Size: 3.3 kW and intend to up date to 4.4kW by the end of the year.
Running for: 2 months
Comments on the installation: "It was a very slick installation arriving at 8:30 am and finished by 2:00pm. a very good team effort (3) each member had a job to do and got on with it."
Comments on the system performance: "Very good to date we are feeding back power to the grid, our first full power bill shows a saving of $60.00 and we hope that it will only get better as we change the way we use power in the house."
Advice: "In the long term we know it is going to pay for its self, I think the power companies should be more supporting for those like us who are just trying to help the country save money in the long term."
Review Date: 26/09/2015
Size: 4 kW
Running for: 4 months
Comments on the installation: "Process was ok with no issues re the installation of the panels. However, the electrical installation was NOT done correctly & took about 6 weeks to sort despite my continuing contact with the company to sort. They basically were ignoring me & I finally got things sorted when I was able to get the inverter manufcturer in Christchurch to sort. Everything worked very well then until I had an issue with my WiFi code & I have been waiting for 2 weeks to have this rectified. After sales service is appalling!!"
Comments on the system performance: "Pretty much as expected & I am happy with the technology with the exception of my previous comments re the after sales service."
Advice: "Probably worth the investment now that the prices have come down over time."
Review Date: 19/09/2015
Size: 6.2 kW
Running for: 40 days
Comments on the installation: "Installers were very helpful, respectful and friendly. Main installation took less than two days."
Comments on the system performance: "The system has been performing very well so far with about a 50% reduction in our first power bill since installation."
Advice: "A 50 % reduction in our power bill is a much better return on our money than the paltry interest paid on savings from the bank."
Review Date: 03/09/2015
Size: 5 kW
Running for: 2 months
Comments on the installation: "Excellent install,friendly and competent staff took about 3 hours to install."
Comments on the system performance: "Early days only installed since 20 July but on first complete billing before I was being paid for what I put into the grid I saved approx $120."
Advice: "It's a free source of power.The money I had in the bank was earning 4.05% or $514.35 on the cost of the install.I believe that here in Central Otago I will save five times the interest on the cost of the install and probably add to the value of my home."
Review Date: 17/08/2015
Size: 2 kW
Running for: 3 months
Comments on the installation: "Hassle free, took less than a day."
Comments on the system performance: "Satisfactory. Not sure how much savings though."
Advice: "Go green."
Review Date: 11/08/2015
Size: 2.8 kW
Running for: 60 days
Comments on the installation: "From quoting right through to explaining the day to day operation of the system, our providers and installers were brilliant to work with. Clean, tidy workers onsite."
Comments on the system performance: "Not what my original expectations were, but as we learn how to utilise the system, we are seeing the benefits, not just now but for our future plans."
Advice: "Do the research in regards to you current power supplier, they all offer different rates for buy back, but also understand how and when you will be able to view the difference in import and exported energy, as yet I haven't found a energy provider that digitally shows me what I want to see."
Review Date: 31/07/2015
Size: 2 kW
Running for: About two months
Comments on the installation: "Yes very impressed with sales and installer. Took one day to install ... left my house as if they had not been there ..,"
Comments on the system performance: "Well .. I founfd the hot water vac tube panel the best and made a good difference .. As for power solar panels not so impressive ... As changed power company and. Ended up with slightly after negotiation's higher per kilowatt but yes it's working well and have at the moment 400 kW of export power to get refund @8 cent a KW ..."
Advice: "Overall great ... Good move looking forward to the new better storage system tat will be here soon ...,
Stay with your power company a neg the price of power and meter .. Then get some prices from other companies to keep them honest ... Do your home work .. Watch the plus GST ... Use the al up including GST every time ...."
Review Date: 18/07/2015
Size: 2 kW
Running for: 3 months
Comments on the installation: "Installers efficient but were delayed by a bout of bad weather."
Comments on the system performance: "When the sun is up it is producing very well. will be better when some council trees are removed. At present we are saving between $2 and $3 per day based on last years power accounts."
Advice: "It was a good decision although we are thinking of increasing the size of the system and are looking at the option of storing surplus generation."
Review Date: 07/07/2015
Size: 3 kW
Running for: 12 days
Comments on the installation: "Researched on the web and got 5 quotes. Went with World solar as they were by far the most economical and used quality components. They did a great job."
Comments on the system performance: "Only been 20 days in the darkest coldest part of the year but is producing on average 5.5 kWh per day which is about one third of our daily winter requirements. Hasn't come through on power bills yet, but will make a difference and will only get better as the weather improves."
Advice: "Research carefully, and don't get a system too big for your needs. Ours is probably a bit big for us at present (only 2 people) but want to get electric vehicle in near future so will suck up the extra power easily then. If you have to export too much to the grid you get very little back. (5.75c/kWh from Genesis )."
Review Date: 16/06/2015
Size: 5 kW
Running for: 12 days
Comments on the installation: "I am happy with the solar installation product in every way. The installers were respectful of my property and did a professional job. The installers did the job efficiently and in a good time frame."
Comments on the system performance: "By adapting to using electricity when the Solar P.V. system is generating I have found the system performs very well. I haven't yet had my WIFI monitoring of the system set up but the last week's Meridian electricity usage update stated I had used 65% less electricity for that week. The Solar P.V. system had only been operating for 50% of that week. I calculated that if it had been a whole week the Solar P.V. system was operating ,I would have paid only 32% of my normal electricity bill I would have had not with the Solar P.V. system. For winter it is performing quite well but I can't be too specific because i don't yet have WIFI monitoring. At this early stage I haven't yet received a power bill covering Solar P.V. system usage, but I will definitely be saving a noticeable and worth while amount."
Advice: "It is a long term investment, you pay up front for the system but in 7 or 8 years time the savings will have paid for the system if you buy a $7,059.99 system. From then on you get cheap electricity bills. It is a good way to prepare for retirement if you buy the system at least 7 years before retiring. Electricity is the second highest overhead for living so if you can reduce that over head you are at a distinct advantage financially."
Review Date: 20/05/2015
Size: 1.5 kW
Running for: 2 months
Comments on the installation: Time taken - "almost a full day"
Comments on the system performance: "It looks to be producing well but I haven't been able to gauge how much it has reduced my power bill because the retailer has not yet installed the appropriate meter."
Advice: "Make sure the retailer is on board if you are not going completely off-grid."
Review Date: 17/05/2015
Size: 4 kW
Running for: 2+ Months
Comments on the installation: "Very good, quick and very helpful."
Comments on the system performance: "Currently saving about 2/3 of earlier (pre-solar) bills."
Advice: "Mysolarquotes provided an extremely useful service with 3 providers contacting me and all visiting and giving quotes. We did not select the cheaper, but the one who appeared to understand our needs and were technically convincing that they knew what they were talking about. It was an electricain we were talking to, not a sales person."
Review Date: 05/05/2015
Size: 1.5 kW
Running for: 1 month
Comments on the installation: "Installation was quick and pain free except that when the salesperson came and checked my verandah (where the panels are installed) he didn't see that some of the purlins were rotten and so I had to get them back to remove the panels to allow the builder to replace them. The whole process took two hours plus there would have been two hours travel and they charged me for a whole day which I thought was a bit rich. Also, the salesperson said they would put some panels on the north-west facing verandah and some on the north east facing one which, unless you use micro-inverters on each panel is impossible with a single inverter. I would say that buyers really need to be well educated on solar systems and their requirements before purchasing them so as to get the best from their installation."
Comments on the system performance: "The system works pretty well although it could work better. The roof line shades the north east facing verandah roof in the afternoon so the generating period is shorter than it could be in Summer and Autumn. I have yet to see how it performs over winter. The 1.5 KwH system usually provides as much power as I use in a day except, as it is grid-tied rather than using battery storage, at night I use power from the grid. Also, my hot water heater is 3kW so the system doesn't generate enough to heat it. Over winter I have a wet back so that heats the water. I was paying on average $60 a month in electricity I now pay a total of approx $25 a month of which $10 is the daily rate. I've been keeping a tally of daily readings for two months and the daily average net electricity usage is 0.50c excl GST. So yes, the system does save me money. However for a family I'd say a bigger system would be required."
Advice: "If you are a smart electricity user, use the solar generation during the day when it is generating and keep night time use to a minimum, always turn off appliances and don't leave them on standby etc you will save money no doubt. There is encouraging news regarding battery storage with Tesla producing a 7.5kW and a 10kW battery for home gen use. They cost around $3500US and no doubt will come down in price over time. So going off the grid, which is what I want to do, is possible at a reasonable price."
Review Date: 27/04/2015
Size: 2 kW
Running for: 6 weeks
Comments on the installation: "When parts finally arrived, installation went smoothly. Installers were very helpful and it took two days to complete."
Comments on the system performance: "Seems to be working well. I reckon to have saved ~$30 on the last electricity bill."
Advice: "Good idea if you can find the upfront cost of the panels."
Review Date: 22/03/2015
Size: 4 kW
Running for: 3 month
Comments on the installation: "The installation went smoothly with a A1 installer, THEN the wait for a new import/export meter (frustrating)."
Comments on the system performance: "No problem with performance due to a high sunshine hours this summer, as its only been operating for 3 power bills will look at how cost effective it is as winter comes along. Main problem is the over the top estimates from my chosen power company."
Advice: "This is not about solar power BUT the amount of over pricing then lowering the price with subsidys in the insulation trade (boardering on fraud) over smaller installers who offer the same end price (with no subsidys)."
Review Date: 14/03/2015
Size: 3.2 kW
Running for: 2 months
Comments on the installation: "Found the solar installer by on line web search , he was the first to reply, arrive , quote and thus secure the job , the instillation was completed in under the time , with an increased capacity , perfect contact maintained throughout"
Comments on the system performance: "Have not had experience enough to come up with any reliable details of performance , there has been some noticeable drop in power bills , approximately halved , bearing in mind this is over the summer months."
Advice: "Have dealt with Contact for years , they are all but impossible to deal with , the main problem being their inability to call a spade a spade ... their very involved repayment system, has yet to be sorted , several months in ,but their quoted buy in rate by far the most generous around , once working expect to recieve the excellent service provided prior , to the 8mth delays generated, during the change over."
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