I think the aspect of you becoming more aware of your usage, and more pro-active in learning how to use energy more wisely, is probably the biggest benefit you will see from your investment Ammad.
I think the plain yruth is that we all moan about energy pricing, while most of the time we are wasting a lot of power that we need not be using.

They had a TV show where energy auditors came through homes and showed people how to be more efficient, but they were so extreme that I think it actually put more people off it, by appearing too fanatical, than it converted people to being more efficient, and a common sense, and easier to follow energy saving education campaign would be better for ordinary people to accept.

I was just reading about hosing down your solar panels on hot days to get more performance out of them.

Before hosing, 530w output. After hosing, 1340w output!  

Today it wasn't so impressive - 1100w to 1250w, there may have been some clouds overhead when I checked it yesterday.i

Quote:


I suppose there's nothing like hitting the hip pocket to bring about some motivation.
During the Howard driven downturn (had to throw that one in  ), I had a lot of time on my hands and not much cash in my pocket, so I decided to spend some time to work out what each appliance was costing me to run.

First I shut down absolutely everything until the (old) meter wheel stopped spinning.
I then switched them on again individually, timed the meter wheel and used a bit of math to get a fair estimate of what each appliance was costing to run and also what they were costing to have on standby.

I had 3 full entertainment systems that were left on standby for the majority of the time which sucked quite a bit of juice when taking into account they were sitting there mostly idle 24/7. So it was easy enough to switch them off at the wall when not in use.

The amps seemed to be the biggest culprits. I also had a big-ass guitar amp that I used to leave on and which would buzz annoyingly. I switched that to a small practise amp which doesn't buzz and which also makes my guitar sound less annoying to the unforgiving ear.

Other things I've done or generally do:

Changed over a few old light globes which I hadn't bothered to switch over to the low powered ones.
Reset a security light that was set too sensitve and stayed on for too long.
Close doors to rooms not being used when heating or cooling.
Switch off lights not being used of course.
Use a fan instead of the air-con if it's not too hot.
Smaller appliances for cooking.
Use a smaller sound system that doesn't make the windows rattle, but actually sounds better.
Make sure that everything is off when not being used, not just on standby.

..and probably a few other things which, like you said, just comes down to being more mindful of power being used.
For those people who have teenagers, it's probably not even worth trying  


Just to add, for gas heating and hot water - I turn off the heater pilot light during summer and turn down the hot water service to comfortable shower temperature (or a little warmer). That way you only need to turn on the hot water tap when taking a shower. It saves quite a bit.

Amadd wrote on Jan 1^st, 2011 at 7:44am:


How many years warranty were you given on the panels and inverter?

Amadd wrote on Mar 10^th, 2011 at 6:59am:


I dont think the premium cost for power will reach 66c/kWhr in 2 years. Its 19cents now. Even with a carbon price and trading scheme whihc needs to get up in parliament anyway - AND wont be introduced for a few years anyway.

There is a Solar Technolohy company operating out of Melbourne which manufacures a slaor system that not only produces electrical power via PVs but also traps heat in order to produce hot water. Its a very uinque hybrid solarPV/thermal panel that has a focusing system for the suan rays etc. They are called Technique Solar

http://www.techniquesolar.com.au/technology

Amadd wrote on Mar 10^th, 2011 at 6:59am:


My main concern is how the power by-back system works.

Lets say that you install a PV system on a house roof top and you dont use any power at all for a whole year. That is an empty house - no appliances or lighting etc.

You simply pay the service charge for the power connection to your house.

In this instance will ALL of the power produced by the PV's be purchased at the 66c/kWhr rate?

Is there a limit to how much can be sold back to the power company?

Can I install a 50kW system for example on a wharehouse roof top and sell whatever power is produces?

Thanks Teddy Bear