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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.

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

Feed-in Tariff Credits

April 12, 2010 @ 22:42 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

The verdict is in.  The Solar PV feed-in tariff was certainly worth all of the pain that I went through to sign up for it.  Since the 21st of January, when our new meter was installed we have utilised the following;

Imported from the national grid (100% GreenPower) = 1242.7 kWh @  24.88c per kWh = $309.18 debit.
Exported to the national grid (my solar PV) = 488.3 kWh @ 66c per kWh = $322.28 credit.

Not taking into account the network connection fee of about $50 for the quarter, that is a grand total profit or credit of $13.09!  As the meter has been read today, I should receive the bill in the next week.  Fingers crossed that my calculations are the same as the electricity retailers.

Not bad for the hottest Summer on record, and the longest warm spell of days over 20C ever in Melbourne.  The air-conditioner got a workout for a fair bit of the billing period due to Kim’s MS as we tried to keep her cool and reduce the fatigue.  Not very energy efficient, but that is just the way it is.

I am going to monitor our electricity usage weekly for this quarter so that I can determine whether we will remain in the black.  This billing period is usually our best season for energy efficiency, due to cooler weather, and with mainly sunny days, there is a good chance that we will export a fair bit of electricity during the day.

Solar PV is definitely worth the investment if you can afford it.  Now that most states in Australia have some sort of feed-in tariff, the payback period for your investment will be even shorter.

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Filed Under: feed-in tariffs, Photovoltaic, Solar Power

I Have The Power… At Last.

January 26, 2010 @ 21:55 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

The ongoing saga of being paid the Victorian Premium Feed-in Tariff for the net electricity that I export into the grid from my Solar PV system is finally over (I hope).

Since this post, titled ‘How Hard Is It…’, many things have transpired.  Firstly, I was called by Origin new connections and they confirmed that my new electricity meter would be installed on January 8th, between 1200-1600.  So far so good, I thought because we were getting a bit of action, but two weeks later than I expected.  Apparently, the 21 days was for them to contact me with a date, not to install the meter. 

I worked from home on the 8th waiting in anticipation, only to be disappointed at 1600 when no one from Powercor, who were to perform the installation, turned up.  I jumped straight on the phone to Origin to get them to sort it out.  I received a call back in about 10 minutes telling me that Powercor had computer issues and my work request had failed to be sent to the installation team.  I asked for Powercor’s direct number because my beef was not with Origin, and so that I could rip them a new one (hey it worked once already).  I talked to Powercor’s new connections team, who duly apologised in the lamest possible way, and proceeded to book me into the next available installation slot of the 8th of February.  Well, to say that I lost the plot was an understatement.  Kim said that she could see steam coming out of my ears.  The poor bloke on the other end didn’t know what hit him as I promised to get the Electrical Ombudsman involved for loss of earnings.  He began to back pedal really fast and said that he will check with his supervisor to see if they could fit me in earlier.  Hell, that felt good!

Twenty minutes later, I get a call back from Powercor.  The apology was much more sincere this time, and they told me that they could now fit me in on the 21st of January from 1200-1600, and they were going to wave the $167 installation fee.  Well that was much better!  I accepted their proposal, and apologised to the bloke for loosing my nut, and he said that it was he who should be apologising again and not I!  Nice touch.

Anyway, Kim rang up Powercor on the 20th to confirm that everything was going to plan.  They told her that the installation was scheduled for the 8th of Feb (OMG!), whereby she duly pointed out that NO that was not the right date and that we were scheduled in for the 21st of Jan.  They quickly realised their error, checked with the installation team to ensure that we were on their list for the next day, and told Kim that they would be in big trouble if they stuffed up this one again.  I wonder who they were going to be in trouble with, me or the Ombudsman? 

I was to work from home again on the 21st of Jan, and to my surprise on the way home, Kim called to inform me that the installation team had already turned up at 1030, and hour and a half early.  Instead of one hour of downtime, they completed the job in 15 minutes flat and even gave us some instructions on how it worked to boot.  Kim said that one of the installers looked like a young Brad Pitt, so that made her day!

So what was all the fuss about?  Well, in December 2009, after much public pressure and lobbying by environmental groups, the Victorian parliament passed legislation that forced electricity retailers to pay small generators ( PV systems <5 kw peak), a premium feed-in tariff of 60c per net kilowatt hour for electricity exported into the power grid.  However, credits built up over the year by the small generator would be reset, or effectively cancelled, at the end of each calendar year with a potential loss of thousands of dollars.   The retailers took this up immediately, with the larger ones like Origin and AGL offering 66c and 68c respectively, and they promised that they would roll over credits year to year and pay them out upon customer request once the credits available was greater than $50.  AGL got away with a larger tariff because they charge a $10 admin fee for the credit transaction.  As low handed as a bank, I reckon and it pays to read the small print.

I signed the feed-in tariff with Origin in December 2009 after confirming that they had no administration fee, listed the 8th of Jan as the start date of the agreement (even though I didn’t technically get the meter until the 21st).  Straight after the meter was installed, after I had finished staring at it clocking up exported kWh’s, I called Origin sales to confirm that the agreement was in place.  Low and behold, it was effective immediately and that any electricity I imported from the grid was 100% GreenPower wind generated.  So, once again, my power is officially all carbon neutral, which is important to me in a Greening of Gavin sort of way.

So far, as of 1200 today, we have exported 45.3 kWh (+$29.89), and imported 71.5 kWh (-$17.87) from the grid.  This means that I am just over $12 in credit already after 6 days.  I love it!  Less of course the quarterly network service fee of around $50.  Hopefully we should clock up enough credits to pay for that as well.  With a decent system you can export quite a lot of electricity if you keep consumption down low during the day.  We now operate all major electrical items after sunset, like the dishwasher, washing machine, and pool pump.  This way, we get maximum export during the day, and draw on the cheaper energy during the night.  Pretty crafty hey!  If they are going to pay me good money for it, I might as well make the most of it.  Will be able to pay the mortgage off quicker with the profits which is a bigger bonus.

So out with the old;

And in with the new.

Finally, a happy ending.  Now I just have to hope that Powercor took a final reading off of the old meter and passed it to Origin, or they will have no point of reference for my bill when they read this new one in three months time.  Luckily, Kim took a photo of the old meter (above) before Powercor disconnected it!  Thank goodness that I am a member of the ATA as I read about this tip in ReNew magazine about a year ago.  It pays to take every precaution after all the stuff ups so far. 

Oh, by the way.  Origin/Powercor have already tried to charge us for the replacement meter which Powercor said they would waver.  We set them straight on that one as well after another rocket down the phone!  Will they ever learn what good customer service is?

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Filed Under: feed-in tariffs, Photovoltaic, Solar Power

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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.

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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

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