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Back on Solar – Inverter Replaced

July 19, 2016 @ 21:48 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

As at 3pm on Saturday 16th July and $3400 poorer, we are now back on Solar!  Let me tell you about it.

The electrician turned up about 10am to swap over the inverter and a few other bits and bobs.  The old Fronius IG30 was to be taken off the wall and replaced with a Fronius Galvo 3.0.  Also due to changes in AS/NZ electrical standards the isolation switches had to be replaced.

I did get a couple of quotes which were all within a $100 or so, so I chose to go with the original quote as I was comfortable and knew the installer.

Fronius IG30

Old and very dead Fronius IG30

 

Inside the Fronius IG30

Inside the Fronius IG30

The DC isolation switches were replaced for each of the two 8 panel strands.

DC Isolation Switches

DC Isolation Switches

As well as the one located next to the Inverter.

DC Isolation Switch

DC Isolation Switch

Then it was a simple job of taking the old inverter off the wall and replace it with the new one.

Inverter replaced - Fronius Galvo 3.0

New Fronius Galvo 3.0 with WIFI!

Now as we all know nothing like this runs smoothly.  They soon found that the cabling from the isolation switches on the roof was not compliant with regulations, so it was replaced.  So was the wiring from the breaker box in the carport to the Inverter.

So after about 5 hours of work, it was finally up and running.

Fronius Galvo installed on Carport wall

Fronius Galvo installed on Carport wall

It was a bit overcast so I didn’t expect much output from the system.  However I was pleasantly surprised when the system showed it was generating over 1kW.

Fronius Galvo Display

Fronius Galvo Display

As part of the installation, just about everything had to be relabeled (new regulations, of course).

IMG_1622

A bit silly really when anyone with common sense could actually look up and see the panels and the thumping big inverter about 1 metre from this switchboard.

IMG_1624

This one made more sense I suppose.  Not that there wasn’t already a red sign on the outside of the main meter box.  You can’t have too many signs apparently.

IMG_1625

And then when I opened the box door, there were more signs.  Can’t be too safe.

Anyway, it’s all working brilliantly now and as I hinted at before, it has WIFI!  Well to be exact, it accesses our home WiFi so that it can send monitoring data to a central place so I can monitor it via any web browser.  A pretty cool feature.  Here is the Windows 10 app I have on my desktop.

Solar Web app Windows 10

Solar Web app Windows 10

It also comes with an app that I can monitor via my smart phone.  At least I know now when its working when I’m at work.

As it starts clocking up the kilowatt-hours I can post snapshots here on the blog which is more than I can say about the old one.  We estimate that during its lifetime, it helped to generate about 3 Megawatt hours of electricity over the 9 years it was in operation.  Unfortunately that is as accurate as it gets because before I realised it was on the blink, the display died first and I couldn’t take a reading.

So at least the system is back up and running.  It will take a while for the replacement inverter to pay itself back, but as long as it keeps working there are at least another decade or three of electricity left in those panels!

Save Money with Solar Power system

Save Money with Solar

And the big question is, of course, do I regret my decision all those years ago to purchase the PV system?  Not for a second!

It has been one of the best investments of our sustainable living journey.  It has reduced our GHG emissions and helped us conserve energy without drawing much from the grid.

I would do it all over again, even though back in 2007 it cost four times the amount a comparative 2.8 kW system does today.  I’m just glad that so many followed in my footsteps and put their very own clean power station on top of their roofs.

Clean, renewable energy from the biggest nuclear reaction in our solar system.  The Sun.

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Filed Under: renewable energy, Solar Power, Sustainable Living

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.

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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.

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