Solar System Review: Janine, Lower Hutt, Wellington

Review Date: 19/02/2019

Size: 6.7kw solar with 10.24kw lithium batteries

Running for: a month

Expected return on investment: N/A - not in the equation (I don't expect a return on the investment of my car so why should I with solar?)

Expected pay back period: N/A - again, more interested in independence and peace of mind

Comments on the installation: "The installer was great but we had our share (and more) of teething problems and delays with the installation and getting the system to run as it should. There were a few communication problems initially, but overall we are very happy with our solar team."

Comments on the system performance: "It produces more than we can use, but we are still having problems in that the battery is currently only charging to 77%. However, we expect that to be adjusted soon. Even with that restriction, we have been totally self sufficient for the past month, which is great as we generally use around 1,000kw a month this time of year."

Advice: "It is a big up front cost, but having the security of knowing we are not dependent on power companies for our power in these uncertain times is also big. Being able to see how much power individual appliances use and how much energy is produced by the panels throughout the day is also helping us to use power much more effectively - so we win both ways. "