Home > Reviews From Solar Power System Owners
We have asked people that brought a solar power system after getting 3 quotes through My Solar Quotes how their solar power systems are going! We asked:
What size system did you install?
How long has your solar power system been running for?
How did you find the solar installation?
How have you found the performance of the solar power system?
Do you have any other comments that you would like to share with New Zealanders thinking about going solar?
Review Date: 08/06/2022
Size: 5kw
Running for: 1mth
Expected return on investment: 17.5%
Expected pay back period: 8yrs
Comments on the installation: "Awaiting concent from Unison was painful took over a month. Tradies for job were awesome."
Comments on the system performance: "$150+ cheaper"
Advice: "Change to solar now"
Review Date: 19/05/2022
Size: 8.5
Running for: 3 weeks
Expected return on investment: 8%
Expected pay back period: 9 years
Comments on the installation: "Very pleased with there manner and installation was very fast"
Comments on the system performance: "To early to know but pleased with the amount of KW been produced"
Advice: "So far very pleased"
Review Date: 08/05/2022
Size: 3.95kWp
Running for: One month
Expected return on investment: 15%-20%
Expected pay back period: 5-6 years
Comments on the installation: "The installation was done in one day. The installers were respectful, although, their movement on the roof may have loosened some bolts."
Comments on the system performance: "The system has been working as it should. We have only had one bill and we went from 506 kWh in the previous month to 413kWh. The bill is further reduced by the solar rebate."
Advice: "There is a learning period for when to use appliances and charging the car while the panels are producing. The Fronius app allows you to see the use versus the production. "
Review Date: 15/03/2022
Size: 4.8kw
Running for: 4 months
Expected return on investment: 10%
Expected pay back period: 10yrs
Comments on the installation: "Great installers, nice people. It did not take long to install the panels, a day I think."
Comments on the system performance: "Yes they are producing about as much as I expected and we are getting a minimum $100 per month saving on power usage costs"
Advice: "Do it and don't wait too long. It is a good feeling knowing you are doing something good for the country and yourself and the environment as well as seeing and following and managing your power usage. Our panels are black on a black roof and we don't even notice them on our roof when we walk and drive past the house."
Review Date: 10/02/2022
Size: I installed at 7.2kW syStem.
Running for: 3 months.
Expected return on investment: 6-7%
Expected pay back period: 7-8 years
Comments on the installation: "Took 1 day, they were good."
Comments on the system performance: "The company I used was great. They have met my expectations."
Review Date: 29/01/2022
Size: 7kWh
Running for: 6 weeks
Expected return on investment: None set
Expected pay back period: Not focused on this aspect as also considering environmental aspects.
Comments on the installation: "Installation took two days. More complicated than I expected. Also, be aware that it can take another 4-6 weeks after installation before the system is approved to run and import/export meter installed by electricity retailer."
Comments on the system performance: "Producing in line with system specifications. Saving about $7-10 per day (December and January)."
Advice: "I am very satisfied with the system. It is producing good savings and has made me more conscious of electricity use. No regrets. Would have been good to know that the full process from installation to power generation is a bit longer than expected. I would definitely encourage others to go solar. "
Review Date: 10/01/2022
Size: 5kw
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: unknown
Expected pay back period: eight years at todays electricty prices.
Comments on the installation: "Turned up on time, polite, good communication, efficient, no mess. Very easy process."
Comments on the system performance: "More than I expected."
Advice: "Rather than upsizing inverter, have more panels so you can achieve max output for longer periods. "
Review Date: 19/12/2021
Size: 5kw
Running for: 2 months
Expected return on investment: 10%
Expected pay back period: 8
Comments on the installation: "They were highly efficient and respectful at all time"
Comments on the system performance: "Too early to say. Weather has been patchy. Many cloudy days. Basically we get enough from export to cover our night rate use when we hear hot water, washing machine etc"
Advice: "We used World Solar. Completely recommend them"
Review Date: 13/12/2021
Size: 5kW
Running for: 2 months
Expected pay back period: 10 years
Comments on the installation: "Great experience with the installers. Took 1 day."
Comments on the system performance: "Been as expected. Saving about $30 a month to date. Should do better over summer."
Advice: "The installation was very professional from the panel installers to the electrician. Our intention is to add battery backup in the future. Would recommend solar installation."
Review Date: 13/12/2021
Size: 4.75
Running for: 3 months
Expected return on investment: 40
Expected pay back period: 7 yrs
Comments on the installation: "Installers were very professional and polite, clearing all mess and completing with in the day "
Comments on the system performance: "Performance going well despite many cloudy days, power produced as expected, will be interesting to see what the performance is like in winter, saved 60% on electricity bills on average "
Advice: "Ensure you get at least 4 quotes and compare installation process- several took there time to respond to site visits. Ensure you get a large enough system to save on bills "
Review Date: 03/12/2021
Size: 14 panels - around 5kw
Running for: just over a month
Expected pay back period: 8 to 10 years
Comments on the installation: "it took a day but there were a couple of issues to sort out"
Comments on the system performance: "Yes, halved it currently (but it is summer so don't expect it will save much in winter)"
Advice: "I am very happy with it - plus the hot water diverter shows power usage and has made everyone a bit more conscious about it"
Review Date: 27/11/2021
Size: 3.68kw
Running for: 2 months
Expected return on investment: it will not return on investment but was done for environmental reasons and has saved around $20-30 per month
Expected pay back period: N/A
Comments on the installation: "Very efficient, very knowledgeable and good communication."
Comments on the system performance: "saving $20-30 per month on electricity plus send around $10 per month to grid"
Advice: "With interest rates very low at the moment, the monthly saving on the electricity bill has been worth it and it is good for environmental reasons."
Review Date: 26/11/2021
Size: 5kW
Running for: 2months
Expected return on investment: 10
Expected pay back period: 13 years
Comments on the installation: "Yes great installers. worked well"
Comments on the system performance: "Working well. our power bills are now a 3rd"
Advice: "Solarman was great"
Review Date: 27/10/2021
Size: 8kw
Running for: 2months
Expected return on investment: 5-8%
Comments on the installation: "Solar sure excellent done what they said they would do on time."
Comments on the system performance: "To early to comment"
Advice: "Do your home work. Keep away from suppliers who want to quote over the phone or net. Deal with suppliers who don use sub contractors. (All work done by own staff)"
Review Date: 05/10/2021
Size: 5kW
Running for: 2 months
Comments on the installation: "It was fantastic service, efficent and great communication"
Comments on the system performance: "Too soon to tell"
Review Date: 06/09/2021
Size: 5k W
Running for: 11 months
Expected return on investment: 60
Expected pay back period: 6 -7
Comments on the installation: "yes they were. first 1 hour to check location to install items and the second day all done. Third time came for a further check up on the system to ensure it is working well. "
Comments on the system performance: "Brilliant. Savings by solar energy use as well as sale of units to the grid. Everyone should go for solar. "
Advice: "Conduct research on which installer (company) is good as there are a few who do not know quite well. Get a good quote and go to install. My other recommendation is to install battery system too. I did not do it that time but geared to do so now."
Review Date: 17/08/2021
Size: 4.5 kW
Running for: 6 weeks
Expected pay back period: 8-10 years
Comments on the installation: "The company (Harrisons) we went with were great. Installation was very smooth and took one day. No problems encountered. A slight delay in hooking up to the import/export meter but that wasn't the installers fault, just coordinating everything."
Comments on the system performance: "All working smoothly. The app has been helpful in changing our power using habits where we can to maximise solar use. Our installation happened in mid winter so we are realistic about power savings but on good days we are getting 12-16 kWh, so very happy with that. We have only had one full power bill so a bit early to suggest savings but we are using most of w hat we generate and still definitely exporting power."
Advice: "It is a significant upfront cost that would be tricky for some people, but for us it was easy, we are committed to it for environmental reasons, and we are very happy how it is going so far. "
Review Date: 04/06/2021
Size: 10 kW
Running for: 1 month
Expected return on investment: 11%
Expected pay back period: 8
Comments on the installation: "The team from Lightforce really knew what they were doing. Super impressed with their responsiveness to questions around mounting onto my flat roof. I had them work with the builders and roofers to ensure water tightness plus mounting point strength requirements for wind load. They installed on schedule and did a great looking job. Very tidy cable runs plus equipment mounting in the garage makes it look great. had them add a 32 amp T2 EV charger for my car and this is nicely integrated. As an electrical engineer myself they were able to answer complex questions and everyone I dealt with was very professional."
Comments on the system performance: "Given the panels are much flatter than the ideal angle and it is near mid winter I was hoping for 5 kW on a sunny day but have regularly seen up to 7 kW. In summer the flat angle will be close to ideal so I am confident in getting close to the maximum 10 kW. Too early to see impact on bills but I have had my first rebate, albeit for 3 days only of operation. I expect good results over the year."
Advice: "Learned that Vector limits export to 5kW whcih seems really against climate change and greenhouse gas reduction. My system has to be clipped to 5 kW so unless my house is taking the rest it limits power output. Needs public condemnation of the lines companies being so reluctant to be 'green'"
Review Date: 19/05/2021
Size: 5kW
Running for: 10 weeks
Expected return on investment: 400%
Expected pay back period: 5 years
Comments on the installation: "Excellent and fast installation"
Comments on the system performance: "We are saving about half on our power bills so far as we head into winter."
Advice: "It feels really good and has obvious results from the first day."
Review Date: 31/03/2021
Size: 11.6kw
Running for: Two weeks
Expected return on investment: Dont know
Expected pay back period: 6 years. But as the cost of power will increase over the years we expect recovery will probably be 5years
Comments on the installation: "The installers very respectful of our property. We found Lightforce an excellent firm to deal with at all levels, ie from the sales team, the people in admin and the installers. There was a slight delay with installation. During this time they kept us fully informed. "
Comments on the system performance: "We are very pleased with the performance to date. We have had the occasional overcast day and the solar system continued to meet the majority of our power needs justifying our decision to put in the larger system. Our power bill is very high. We estimate we are saving around $300.00 a month. "
Advice: "We are very pleased with the decision we made. It makes one feel good about using solar which is supporting the environment. We are very happy we selected to go with Lightforce as they provided the complete package making it easy to deal with when we had a slight hitch which was remedied quickly. We live in the country and experience frequent power cuts, which no longer are a bother to us. "
Review Date: 10/02/2021
Size: 7kW
Running for: Two months
Comments on the installation: "The install was a breeze with a team of very experienced guys, who we would have no hesitation recommending to anyone contemplating installing solar. Hubands are absolutely brilliant at their job from designing right through to commissioning, no regrets."
Comments on the system performance: "We are producing over a megawatt each month for the two months it has been up and running. As far as saving money that’s another issue/saga. We signed up with Ecotricity and we are still waiting for a final bill for December!! Our first “bill “ came in at $624 which apart from being absurd, is way more than twice or normal bill prior to solar. They seem to think the problem is at their end and are working on it. Needless to say we are changing companies on the 26th of February. They aren’t very professional and there is one poor woman, Karen who is doing her best to sort it but really, they are a worry and I wished I had read google reviews beforehand."
Advice: "Do it, you won’t regret it."
Review Date: 09/02/2021
Size: 3.2kw
Running for: 2months
Expected pay back period: 7 years
Comments on the installation: "Took one day. Installers were great, on time and very polite cleaned up well"
Comments on the system performance: "I have been very impressed. We have cut our bill from about 200 per month to about 60. "
Advice: "If you are permanently at home you can make the greatest savings. The app allows you to judge the best time to turn in appliances such as tumble dryers etc to make the greatest savings. I have programmed my spa to heat during the most efficient time. If you have the cash in the bank the power savings are greater than the interest you get in the bank"
Review Date: 22/01/2021
Size: 3.3
Running for: From 27 Nov 2020
Expected return on investment: not considered
Expected pay back period: 100% over 6 to 7 years
Comments on the installation: "Great installers. Completed within a day and tidied up after all the work. Recommend."
Comments on the system performance: "The weather has been mixed and not a reflection of a normal summer. We are definitely saving money on the actual power bill with it about halved."
Advice: "You will save money on your power bill, you will recover the costs of installation in under ten years and solar will add to the value of your home when you come to sell. All valid but this was also our "green" decision."
Review Date: 30/12/2020
Size: 5KW
Running for: 2 weeks
Expected return on investment: Didn't do it for an investment - Off Grid
Expected pay back period: 10 years
Comments on the installation: "Electrician didn't really know what he was doing, still waiting for it to be finished"
Comments on the system performance: "It is working as it should, but the system has gone offline and we can no longer see whats happening with th system so we are in the dark until we can find someone to fix it"
Advice: "So far we regret going with Solar Group, system is half installed, showing error messages and everyone has gone on leave and noone to help. It still produces power as needed but something isn't right with the system."
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