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: 16/10/2024
Size: 6kW with 16 solar panels
Running for: 5 weeks
Expected return on investment: Unsure
Expected pay back period: 8 years
Comments on the installation: "Installers very professional, courteous and hardworking."
Comments on the system performance: "Really impressed by performance so far. Forecast cost was $210 for month (August/ September) and cost was $136. Solar was only switched on for 20 days of the bill."
Advice: "Go solar."
Review Date: 09/10/2024
Size: 5kw
Running for: 2 Months
Expected return on investment: Not sure
Expected pay back period: 6 years
Comments on the installation: "Harrisons were excellent, the process was calm and not forceful at all. "
Comments on the system performance: "The system is working well. We are making changes every month and we are saving more every month. "
Advice: "Do it, if you manage it correctly you will save money. "
Review Date: 17/09/2024
Size: 4.4
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: 7 to 8%
Expected pay back period: 10 years
Comments on the installation: "The install went well, tidy neat job."
Comments on the system performance: "The system was installed in middle of winter when light levels are the least and power output the lowest. It has been a good learning curve working how to maximize usage of the power generated. In the first week of September we had a negative daily power bill where the income of the export exceeded the cost of power used so oower company paid us. Our daily power bill in Sept is averaging between 50 cent to 1 dollar a day so more than halved. This will only get better as day length increases."
Advice: "big learning curves for me were a) even after sunset it can generate power. b) solar levels not linked to temperature. So cold sunny day in Aug can be used to warm house using solar. c) don't install panels flat as will get dirty quickly and not self clean in rain, d) get analytics of production and use, so can maximise savings, e) get heat pump connected to wifi so can control remotely to maximise use when producing excess power, e) get hot water timer to control when it heats to use solar."
Review Date: 07/09/2024
Size: 6kW
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: Too early to predict. Probably need a year or so to be accurate.
Expected pay back period: Too early to say. Ask me in 12 months.
Comments on the installation: "Install took 2 working days. Installers were good to deal with."
Comments on the system performance: "The system was first switched on in the middle of winter, and I was actually surprised at the amount of power we produced. We have definitely saved money. Our consumption has been reduced by half, and that is in the winter! We are looking forward to the longer summer days!"
Advice: "If you can afford it, just do it. Don't think to much about payback etc. We went into this looking at what the day to day savings would be, aiming to reduce our overheads. Be prepared to get the hose out, there is a lot of pine pollen (yellow) about at the moment."
Review Date: 28/08/2024
Size: 4kW
Running for: 3 months
Expected pay back period: 9 years
Comments on the installation: "installation went well, all done in 2 days"
Comments on the system performance: "considering it is running in winter for the first time, I'm very happy with the result. saving over $100 per month compared to the same time last year"
Advice: "If you can afford even a small system, it makes a big difference. Electricity keeps going up in price, Solar is a great solution, especially if your nearing retirement and won't be able to afford more price increases when you retire."
Review Date: 07/08/2024
Size: 6kWp
Running for: 1 month
Expected return on investment: No idea
Expected pay back period: No idea
Comments on the installation: "Installers great job with a tricky install"
Comments on the system performance: "Producing more than anticipated for the time of year"
Advice: "Just do it. It's not just about ROI, a solar installation increases the value of your property, saves the planet and reduces your reliance on NZ's screwed electricity market."
Review Date: 05/08/2024
Size: 7400
Running for: 1 month
Expected return on investment: 109
Expected pay back period: 14
Comments on the installation: "The team were good, professional and courteous. Unfortunately there were delays in some of the equipment arriving meaning a gap of around 6 weeks from start to completion"
Comments on the system performance: "It is winter and early days so limited savings so far. Having said that, the battery means that we can significantly reduce peak use and charge from grid during off peak."
Advice: "It is well worth a look. Power will keep going up in cost so its good to insulate against that. We also had a local power outage and the EPS / battery back up kicked in so there was no disruption to kitchen appliances, internet, etc. so that part is also good to have."
Review Date: 17/07/2024
Size: 6.6kW
Running for: 7 weeks
Expected return on investment: Unsure as alterations to Meter Box only just done last week.
Expected pay back period: 10-15 Years
Comments on the installation: "Great installers, all done in under a day due to fine weather & 2 installers present."
Comments on the system performance: "No not so far. On sunny days only just achieving 50 per cent utilisation! Would have expected more & hopefully this will improve in summer! Delay in Genisis installing changes to meter box means nil savings so far from them."
Advice: "Still relatively expensive in NZ without any Govt Incentives. My daughter in Melbourne recently installed a 9.9kW system for less than AU$3300 with VIC State & National Incentives."
Review Date: 08/07/2024
Size: 8KW
Running for: Installation completed in early May
Expected return on investment: 100%
Expected pay back period: ~8 years
Comments on the installation: "Excellent. 1 day to install inverter & 14 solar panels Half a day to install the tesla battery."
Comments on the system performance: "Considering we are into winter it has performed as expected so far. When we have full sun shine days the battery is fully charged by early afternoon. We are still waiting for the new meter to be installed so we can get the full benefit of having solar. The power co we are currently with needed a bit of a rev up to action the new meter, why is it so difficult to speak to someone on the phone these days?"
Advice: "Initially I wasn't considering installing solar. As retirement loomed with associated concerns over soaring energy prices, it seemed a no brainer. A friend in Wanaka installed solar over 10 years ago & added more panels after some years. They enjoy total independence for most part & still have enough power to recharge the EV at the end of the day."
Review Date: 04/07/2024
Size: 5.74kW (14 panels)
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: 331
Expected pay back period: 8yrs 9mnths
Comments on the installation: "Very efficient and pleasant installers"
Comments on the system performance: "Pleased with performance. Only had one bill to include exporting to grid as meter installation wasn’t until May."
Advice: "Go for it"
Review Date: 27/06/2024
Size: 6.6kW
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: 15%
Expected pay back period: 6.5 years
Comments on the installation: "Despite bad weather the whole system was installed in a day and a half."
Comments on the system performance: "Our system has performed as expected and given it is mid winter, we have saved a minimum of $100 per month with the savings in May reaching an amazing $160 when compared to the same month, last year."
Advice: "I always thought solar was too expensive but thanks to My Solar Quotes we were able to get a great system at a great price. Our system is battery ready and if battery prices drop, that will be the next thing we do."
Review Date: 18/06/2024
Size: 5.28kW
Running for: 11 weeks
Expected return on investment: 25%
Expected pay back period: 8-10 y
Comments on the installation: "Installation was completed efficiently over a couple of days. Slight delay due to weather."
Comments on the system performance: "Performing well. Limited saving due to the time of the year and weather. Savings around 10 -15%"
Advice: "Happy with our decision. Will see greater benefits as we head towards spring and summer."
Review Date: 25/03/2024
Size: 6kW
Running for: 1 month
Expected return on investment: 10
Expected pay back period: 9
Comments on the installation: "One day, they were all good"
Comments on the system performance: "Looks good so far, although it has only been a month"
Advice: "Getting 3 quotes made it easier to compare and decide."
Review Date: 28/02/2024
Size: 6.2kW
Running for: 5 weeks
Expected return on investment: Don’t know really.
Expected pay back period: Less than 17 years
Comments on the installation: "Excellent timely installation over 2.5 days. Sending power to the grid the following day. "
Comments on the system performance: "Performance excellent. Power output surprisingly good on a cloudy day. Use of grid has declined about 65%. "
Advice: "Just do it. Help yourself, help the planet "
Review Date: 16/02/2024
Size: 6kw
Running for: 2 months
Expected return on investment: Not willing to share
Expected pay back period: Not willing to share
Comments on the installation: "Took two days, installers were superb. They kept us advised of each stage of the installation, worked quickly and tidily, were good humoured and vacuumed the floors after each internal stage."
Comments on the system performance: "Yes, bills have already halved, though of course it is a sunny summer, winter will be the real test"
Advice: "None"
Review Date: 14/02/2024
Size: 7.2kw
Running for: 2.5 months
Expected return on investment: 100
Expected pay back period: 22
Comments on the installation: "Freenergy were awesome from start to finish. Local and experts. Communication was amazing and everything went smoothly."
Comments on the system performance: "We have not paid for power since installing it, in fact we are in credit for those winter months ."
Advice: "Choose a local company that employ locals and have a proven reputation. "
Review Date: 12/02/2024
Size: 13kw
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: Don't know
Expected pay back period: 5 years
Comments on the installation: "The installers were amazing. It took 2 days to install and set up."
Comments on the system performance: "The performance is brilliant, had a couple of hiccups which were sorted straight away."
Advice: "Going solar with a battery was an expensive outlay but it has been well worth it, our power bill is now next to nothing, we have had power in outages which has been a huge bonus."
Review Date: 09/02/2024
Size: 5kW battery
Running for: 4 months
Expected return on investment: Can't remember but believe I'm well ahead as EV charging all solar
Expected pay back period: Don't know, am looking for an easy to use spreadsheet to recalculate as I expect this wkill be greatly reduced.
Comments on the installation: "Very impressed with installation, everything from products to procedures and results."
Comments on the system performance: "I must be well ahead of ROI. All my EV charging is solar so I am saving a bundle there as well as well as running the house. At present my electricity bill is in credit so it will be interesting to check results after 12 months."
Advice: "Go for it. Get as many panels as will fit, a battery with at least 5kW, and if you have an EV, install an Evnex charger."
Review Date: 29/01/2024
Size: 4.5kw
Running for: 5 months
Expected return on investment: Unknown
Expected pay back period: 10-11 years depending on power consumption
Comments on the installation: "Excellent. Installers were respectful of our property and it took less than a day and then the electrical inspection on a later day only took a short period."
Comments on the system performance: "Quite happy with the performance of the system although it is producing less power than I would have thought for some of the very hot days we have had this summer. We haven't paid anything for power bills since the system was installed due to credits given for swapping power supplier, credits for power exported, and credit for the meter swap despite using our heat pump to cool the house on very hot days. We are in credit and hope this will continue so that the credit gets used up in the winter months when we use more power and the solar power system produces less power. The Goodwe inverter can feel very hot to the hand but we wanted a smaller inverter and one that did not have a noisy fan."
Advice: "Well worth it if you would like to contribute to a greener future and be more self-sufficient. We found both the NZ and AU solar quotes websites very useful for learning about panels, inverters etc so we were more knowledgeable when speaking with the 4 different companies we got quotes from and think this knowledge contributed to us getting a good price. We chose Lightforce."
Review Date: 21/01/2024
Size: 5kW i.e. 14 panels plusTesla Battery
Running for: 1 month
Expected return on investment: 100% Feel good factors
Expected pay back period: Don't care
Comments on the installation: "Installer worked efficiently but took a week to complete installation due to family commitments restricting him to half days and having to travel 1 hour to the site."
Comments on the system performance: "I chose a split array to give me longer generation time as opposed to peak generation yet am still getting peak of 4.5kW from a 5kW system and am generating from 0630 until 1930, as at 1 January, thus with battery use overnight I am 99% self sufficient. Last power bill showed I imported 3kWh at a cost of 46 cents however supply charges of $17.21 boosted the bill to $17.67 This is compared to $76 for the same period last year. Note: This was prior to the Export meter being installed so I confidently expect my next and subsequent bills to be in credit."
Advice: "Do independent research on components offered in quotes as some use near end of production components to keep costs down. Bottom line ...... don't skimp for the sake of a few dollars."
Review Date: 13/01/2024
Size: 3kW
Running for: 1.8 kwatt added another 3k watt 4 years for the 1.8 k watt 3 months for the extra 3 kw
Expected return on investment: currently i have no electricity bills am running a credit
Expected pay back period: approx 4 years
Comments on the installation: "absolutely fantastic,.installed the six panels in 4 hours"
Comments on the system performance: "currently with the two systems no bills 12 panels total"
Advice: "do it, get latest technology with small inverters mounted under each panel "
Review Date: 27/12/2023
Size: 5kW
Running for: 1 week
Comments on the installation: "From day we payed the deposit it took 4 months and the communication was appalling."
Comments on the system performance: "It is limited to 5 kW and on sunny days it produces this"
Advice: "Make sure your installer knows what they are doing. I would not recommend Harrison's Blenheim."
Review Date: 26/12/2023
Size: 11 Panels circa 4.5kW
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: 8-10 year payback; hard to gauge at this stage, need to see what the performance is during winter months
Expected pay back period: 8-10 year payback; hard to gauge at this stage, need to see what the performance is during winter months
Comments on the installation: "The installation process was average and the inspector deemed it "satisfactory". He was unsure why they chose not to place 5 of the panels on the north facing roof (Instead all 11 panels were installed on the east facing roof). The whole process was expected to take one day but took almost two full days."
Comments on the system performance: "We included a battery which has been hugely beneficial given our usage profile. In three months we have only had to take power from the grid 4 times (rainy / overcast weather) and only an average of 5KWh each time. Because we are also using surplus power to charge our new EV we estimate we are savings over $250 a month (a combination of generating our own power, selling surplus to the grid and no longer having to purchase fuel for the car). We have yet to top up our car from the grid so we're approaching 1,000km travelled at no cost to us!"
Advice: "Overall we are happy with the performance however until we see how the system performs over a full 12 month cycle it is way too early to gauge whether or not it is a good return on investment (& impossible at this stage to quantify the expected ROI). We like the independence it brings and the fact that during the last three months we have almost been fully self sufficient running our house and car from power we have generated through the solar system. I personally would only get solar panels installed if it's coupled with a battery; ours stores 10kWh which to date is perfect for our usage profile. "
Review Date: 23/12/2023
Size: 5kW inverter
Running for: 7 months
Expected return on investment: Don't know
Expected pay back period: Don't know
Comments on the installation: "They were excellent. Very respectful and aware that I was working from home so minimised the disruption."
Comments on the system performance: "My September power bill was nearly zero and I've been in credit since. I might even have enough credit by winter to cover my winter bills entirely!"
Advice: "It is an investment in not only your own future/independence but also New Zealand's. The more people creating their own power and even feeding the country's grid, the better. It makes you feel really good to be contributing."
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