• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Inverter Saga Continues

July 6, 2016 @ 22:49 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

Well dear reader, it’s been determined by the inverter manufacturer Fronius that it is cactus and needs a replacement.  It wasn’t something that could have been mended, which was disappointing to say the least.

Something else that’s come to light is that due to electrical regulations for solar PV systems, the isolation switches have to be replaced.  As well as that, due to the inverter being completely replaced, the system has to be inspected again.

So here’s the quote by Energy Matters (aka SunEdison);

Item Cost (incl. GST)
1x Fronius Galvo 3.0 Light $1881.00
4x DC Isolators $933.97
1x Earth Fault Alarm $7.24
1x Label Kit $79.21
Service (labour, shipping & installation) $385.00
Site Inspection $140.00
Total $3426.42

A fair bit out of pocket, and I estimate that it will need at least 3½ years of operation to pay itself back.  Not too bad, but it was certainly not an expense I expected after only 9 years of operation.

Solar talk

Installation day September 2007.

I will have to draw down on my mortgage to pay for it, so that means I have to work longer to pay it off.  Swings and roundabouts I suppose because it has been due to our very low electricity bills since 2007 that we’ve been able to pay down our debt rapidly in the first place.

The only way to proceed is forward, so I’ve asked the work to proceed.  Once the installation starts, I’ll give you another update.  Hopefully nothing else goes wrong in the process.

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Energy Matter, renewable energy, Solar Power

Quick Inverter Update

June 28, 2016 @ 20:43 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

We had a solar electrician visit on Sunday to check out our inverter issue with our Solar PV system.

He tested the voltage from the array, which was fine and the grid voltage which was also fine.  So at least there is nothing wrong with the panels and wiring.

It looks like the main controller within the inverter itself is faulty.  If it’s not under warranty, may cost a bit if they can even get the part for such an old model.

Gavin Webber turning on Fronius-I30 inverter

Fronius IG-30 Inverter when I first turned it on in 2007!

Also, he mentioned that if they cannot find the part it needs, then the inverter will have to be replaced.  This means I may have to foot the cost of a new inverter as well as rewiring and new isolation switches as well because the electrical regulations have changed since I got the system installed.

Pretty ordinary news all round.  Just waiting for news back from the installer to see what our options are.  I will update you know when I know more.

So much fun (not), and we have gone back into energy efficiency mode here at home to save more on our power bill.  Fingers crossed that we can get the solar PV back up and running soon.

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: energy efficiency, Energy Matter, Photovoltaic, renewable energy, Solar Power

Solar PV Inverter Issues

June 20, 2016 @ 21:05 By Gavin Webber 9 Comments

We’ve been facing some solar PV inverter issues with our solar PV installation lately.

It’s Broken!

It looks like the inverter (Fronius IG-30) has given up the ghost after 9½ years of loyal and reliable service to the Webber family.  It has provided us with many megawatts of clean energy for our pursuits.  As it stands today, there is no output from our system and it’s been that way since last Wednesday.

The inverter is the heart of any PV system.  It converts the Direct Current generated by the solar panels and converts it to Alternating Current in the form of 240 volts @ 50Hz to match the electricity grid.  Without it, the solar panels are as much use as a single chopstick.

I’ve sent off the fault to my system installer, Energy Matters, now owned by Sun Edison, to see what they can do about it.  Hopefully they can send out a specialist electrician to have a look and diagnose the issue.  If you want to know how the system has performed up until now, here is the link to a case study they did on our system a year or two ago.

Solar PV Inverter issues

16 x 175 watt Solar Panels. Currently useless!

However, I don’t hold up much hope.  From what I’ve read online, it is a major fault that requires replacement of the entire inverter, especially one as old as mine.  I also believe that it may be out of warranty so may be out-of-pocket for a considerable sum.

My Dilemma

So now I am faced with a dilemma.  Do I, a) Save up and buy a replacement inverter of the same type (3 kW grid tied), or b) investigate the cost of a hybrid system that incorporates a battery backup as well as export to the grid.

Why would I consider a battery option I hear you ask?

Well, the legislation here in Victoria that provides me with a generous 66 cent Feed-in Tariff.  It is due to expire in about 5 years, so at that time I will lose the offset against my power bill.

That means I should store some, or in time most, of the excess then export the remainder.

Solar talk

View from our gate

I figure that our evening energy usage will then be covered with stored electricity from the batteries.  Once the batteries are charged during the day, the excess will be just icing on the cake for the remaining years that the legislation remains in effect.  Once the legislation expires, I can bolt on more battery storage and keep it all, essentially being free of the grid.  Sounds like a better outcome.

Research Required

I do have some research to do before I make a decision.  If you know of a suitable inverter/storage solution, then let me know via comment and I will follow it up.  I don’t have a very big budget and if the hybrid system is too expensive, I will just have to replace the inverter.  Hopefully with one that I can bolt on storage at a later time.

Anyway, I’ll keep you abreast of the solar PV inverter issues in the spirit of knowledge sharing.  As the system was installed in September 2007, I consider us as early adopters.  I would expect that many other solar PV system owners will soon be faced with a similar decision as the one I do.

So, on with the research and may it be sunny!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Energy Matter, renewable energy, Solar Power

Next Page »

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

The Seven Stages Of Change
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Building a VegTrug or Two
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Contact
Clay Oven First Layer
All Good Things Come to an End
Home Made Camembert

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023