Reviews From Solar Power System Owners

Liz, Rodney, Auckland

Review Date: 05/05/2015

Size: 1.5 kW

Running for: 1 month

Comments on the installation: "Installation was quick and pain free except that when the salesperson came and checked my verandah (where the panels are installed) he didn't see that some of the purlins were rotten and so I had to get them back to remove the panels to allow the builder to replace them. The whole process took two hours plus there would have been two hours travel and they charged me for a whole day which I thought was a bit rich. Also, the salesperson said they would put some panels on the north-west facing verandah and some on the north east facing one which, unless you use micro-inverters on each panel is impossible with a single inverter. I would say that buyers really need to be well educated on solar systems and their requirements before purchasing them so as to get the best from their installation."

Comments on the system performance: "The system works pretty well although it could work better. The roof line shades the north east facing verandah roof in the afternoon so the generating period is shorter than it could be in Summer and Autumn. I have yet to see how it performs over winter. The 1.5 KwH system usually provides as much power as I use in a day except, as it is grid-tied rather than using battery storage, at night I use power from the grid. Also, my hot water heater is 3kW so the system doesn't generate enough to heat it. Over winter I have a wet back so that heats the water. I was paying on average $60 a month in electricity I now pay a total of approx $25 a month of which $10 is the daily rate. I've been keeping a tally of daily readings for two months and the daily average net electricity usage is 0.50c excl GST. So yes, the system does save me money. However for a family I'd say a bigger system would be required."

Advice: "If you are a smart electricity user, use the solar generation during the day when it is generating and keep night time use to a minimum, always turn off appliances and don't leave them on standby etc you will save money no doubt. There is encouraging news regarding battery storage with Tesla producing a 7.5kW and a 10kW battery for home gen use. They cost around $3500US and no doubt will come down in price over time. So going off the grid, which is what I want to do, is possible at a reasonable price."

Ian, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Whanganui

Review Date: 27/04/2015

Size: 2 kW

Running for: 6 weeks

Comments on the installation: "When parts finally arrived, installation went smoothly. Installers were very helpful and it took two days to complete."

Comments on the system performance: "Seems to be working well. I reckon to have saved ~$30 on the last electricity bill."

Advice: "Good idea if you can find the upfront cost of the panels."

Mark, Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Review Date: 22/03/2015

Size: 4 kW

Running for: 3 month

Comments on the installation: "The installation went smoothly with a A1 installer, THEN the wait for a new import/export meter (frustrating)."

Comments on the system performance: "No problem with performance due to a high sunshine hours this summer, as its only been operating for 3 power bills will look at how cost effective it is as winter comes along.  Main problem is the over the top estimates from my chosen power company."

Advice: "This is not about solar power BUT the amount of over pricing then lowering the price with subsidys in the insulation trade (boardering on fraud) over smaller installers who offer the same end price (with no subsidys)."

Geoff, Central Hawkes Bay, Hawke's Bay

Review Date: 14/03/2015

Size: 3.2 kW

Running for: 2 months

Comments on the installation: "Found the solar installer by on line web search , he was the first to reply, arrive , quote and thus secure the job , the instillation was completed in under the time , with an increased capacity , perfect contact maintained throughout"

Comments on the system performance: "Have not had experience enough to come up with any reliable details of performance , there has been some noticeable drop in power bills , approximately halved , bearing in mind this is over the summer months."

Advice: "Have dealt with Contact for years , they are all but impossible to deal with , the main problem being their inability to call a spade a spade ... their very involved repayment system, has yet to be sorted , several months in ,but their quoted buy in rate by far the most generous around , once working expect to recieve the excellent service provided prior , to the 8mth delays generated, during the change over."

Tony, Selwyn, Canterbury

Review Date: 14/03/2015

Size: 5.1 kW, 20 x 255W panels with Enasolar inverta plus immerSUN self-consumption controller

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Installers very respectful and courtious. Job done 2 days."

Comments on the system performance: "Solar Living" are Christchurch based and the dialogue has been perfect. I believe they have gone beyound what is expected of a Company. After seeing the performance of Solar Electric pannels they should be compulsary for every new build. Government could do more to promote this energy source."

Advice: ""Solar Living" are Christchurch based and the dialogue has been perfect. I believe they have gone beyound what is expected of a Company. After seeing the performance of Solar Electric pannels they should be compulsary for every new build. Government could do more to promote this energy source."

Shannon, Christchurch City, Canterbury

Review Date: 02/03/2015

Size: 3.24 kW

Running for: 1 month

Comments on the installation: "Great team of guys from Ashburton who installed for Harrisons"

Comments on the system performance: "It's going well, north aspect averaging 13kwh per day. Have not had a power bill as homegen was only recently installed. Delta who install these let the process down and the solar industry needs to find some other company who can provide a better service."

Advice: "Why wait, start saving now."

Alistair, Auckland

Review Date: 01/03/2015

Size: 4kW

Running for: 2 weeks

Comments on the installation: "The installers were amazingly courteous and very respectful while explaining what they were doing along the way of the install."

Comments on the system performance: "We haven't had a bill yet but have been checking on the app and it appears to be working really well."

Advice: "Wish I had done it years ago and planning more installs on commercial buildings."

Shirley, Papakura, Auckland

Review Date: 17/02/2015

Size: 3kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Excellent, trouble free installation. Took 2 half days. However Counties Power took 2 months to install the smart meters but Xmas and New Year did intervene."

Comments on the system performance: "Performance satisfactory. Best week averaged 15.6 kWh/day, worst week in mid-Dec was 9.8 kWh/day. Best day = 19.9 kWh. Since solar was connected, 93 days ago we have produced 1236 kWh, averaging about 13.3 kWh/day. We were told that the system would average about 11.7 kWh/day over a year so the estimate looks good.  Our power bills for November and January were about 20% less than previous year and we had guests over the festive period, which we didn't have in 2013. Don't know about power back to Contact Energy because no invoice since new meters were fitted. Very cloudy days in Auckland lately, need more sunshine! We had expected to save about 50% of our power bill but I doubt if it will be that much, maybe 30-40%. We need another 9 months to confirm that one way or the other. Contact Energy reducing their power buy back to 8c/kWh just after we decided to go solar was disappointing but we had guessed that would happen. There should be a Government minimum that power companies buy power back from customers for, probably about 15c/kWh. As usual the power distributers are ripping us off! The display monitor is excellent and we haven't tired of following the data. BUT the gadget itself is very temperamental and the slightest (and I mean slightest) brush against the power lead turns the monitor off.

Advice: "If you have funds sitting in a bank getting less than 4% interest then get solar asap. The savings on your power bill will far exceed the interest lost."

Irvin, Christchurch, Canterbury

Review Date: 09/01/2015

Size: 3kW

Running for: Had 1st power account with meter installed

Comments on the installation: "Great communication and job well done in 3 hours including new switchboard in garage."

Comments on the system performance: "Saved $100 the first month"

Advice: "I was surprised how the power goes up and down when cloudy and sunny."

Graeme, Ohope, Bay Of Plenty

Review Date: 17/12/2014

Size: 4kW

Running for: 15 months

Comments on the installation: "Good".

Comments on the system performance: "Operating to specification. Have yet to pay a bill but have to produce treble what I consume to cover other costs that retailer is adding to the bill - distribution, levies... Eventually had a smart meter installed but I have no access to it. I would like to monitor my consumption. The EnaSolar Inverter (NZ made) is excellent for monitoring production."

Advice: "Add an extra PV panel(s) to cover heating your hot water and avoid installing a separate hot water heating system. Less capital outlay, less equipment."

Gary, Hamilton, Waikato

Review Date: 16/10/2014

Size: 4kW

Running for: 6 weeks

Comments on the installation: "The installers were great, the biggest issue was getting approval from the lines company, this took several weeks and a site inspection by them."

Comments on the system performance: "It has surprised me, it just operates, no need to check, switch or do anything. We have produced over 600 Kw in this time, using 88 % of this. Exporting the other 12%. We have had one power account and reduced our bill by over $100"

Advice: "If they can afford the capital cost, and will be able to use the majority generated, then they should do it."

Katy, Upper Hutt, Wellington

Review Date: 16/10/2014

Size: 5kW

Running for: 4 weeks

Comments on the installation: "The solar installation was so easy. The installers were delayed because of poor weather but kept us informed of their timetable. They worked hard and efficiently. Unfortunately when the meter was changed a fault in the relay upset our use of night time rates for power and this has still not been corrected even after three attempts by the electricians."

Comments on the system performance: "The savings have not come through yet but I am sure they will be useful. The generation of power has been greater than we anticipated considering the issue with shade that we have."

Advice: "Using solar power is great. I am looking forward to when the technology for storing some of the power generated can happen meaning then that everything that is generated from our roof would be used by us. The price the power company pays for the power we generate does not equal the price we have to pay for the power we use from the company. Being self sufficient in generating power and using power would be so good."

Graham, Timaru, Canterbury

Review Date: 10/11/2014

Size: 2kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "They were very efficient and respectful.They only took about 2 and a half hours to instal the panels."

Comments on the system performance: "I presume we have been saving money but Contact energy haven't installed an import/export meter as yet."

Advice: "I was going to install more panels but as Contact energy have reduced the buyback rate I am having second thoughts."

Anthony, Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty

Review Date: 27/10/2014

Size: 4kW

Running for: 1.5 months

Comments on the installation: "The installation was done well. It did not take long."

Comments on the system performance: "The system performs very well and many times reaches the full 4 kW. This was the best day so far: 2014-10-24 28.24Kilowatts.The system produces an abundant amount of power. More than I need. It does reduce the power bill, but as of yet, I have not received payment from the power company , other than 2.52 NZD, of the exported power.  I have switched to Contact energy but they still have not approved me as a vendor. And Trust Power did not read the export reading before doing the switch to Contact Energy."

Advice: "Definitely get a monocrystalline system. They do perform better."

Allen, Ashburton, Canterbury

Review Date: 22/10/2014

Size: 5.1kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "The installation went very well and was completed in 2 1/2 days. The installers did an excellent job and left the property clean and tidy.'

Comments on the system performance: "It has been 2 months since the export meter was installed, since then we have imported 980kw and exported 870 kw. We are more than happy with the performance especially since it was middle of winter to early spring."

Advice: "Power will never be cheaper than it was yesterday so now is the best time to start thinking; my wife and me are pleased we made the decision."

Lorraine, Manukau City, Auckland

Review Date: 15/09/2014

Size: 3.75kW

Running for: 5 days

Comments on the installation: "We used S4Solar to do our installation and had excellent service from them. They took three days to complete the installation and I would recommend them without hesitation."

Comments on the system performance: "Too soon to have a good idea but we're pleased with how it's performing."

Advice: "If you can afford the upfront cost then it's well worth doing both in terms of the long term savings and the environmental benefits."

John, Marlborough

Review Date: 14/09/2014

Size: 4kW

Running for: 1 months

Comments on the installation: "The solar installation was well organised and I was kept fully informed of its progress. The system took two days to install and the installers were very careful during the installation process."

Comments on the system performance: "The performance of the system has been excellent. Even though it is winter and the weather has been poor, I have had excellent power production and I except the bills will be reduced significantly."

Peter, Waikino, Waikato

Review Date: 10/09/2014

Size: 2kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "They were a great bunch of guys they put everything in the right places i was surprised it didnt take long at all."

Comments on the system performance: "The performance so far has been excellent, even produces on the darkest days savings for me have been more than halve, can't wait till the summer months arrive."

Advice: "Go for it if you can afford the money plus long term staying in your own house cant lose."

Karen, Waimakariri , Canterbury

Review Date: 31/08/2014

Size: 5kW

Running for: 1 months

Comments on the installation: "The installers, were respectfull, helpfull and worked quickly and cleanly."

Comments on the system performance: "As yet unknown because although system up and running, it was Contact who didn't "complete" by installing new import /export meter untill begining of the month so have not been able to do comparisons yet."

Advice: "Common sense to do it if you can afford the initial out lay. Power is only going to increase in cost, and I prefer my money in my bank not the power company's."

Allen, Hamilton, Waikato

Review Date: 24/07/2014

Size: 1.7kW

Running for: 4 months

Comments on the installation: "Installer got in touch after I filled out the form at mysolarquotes. From the time I signed the contact the system was install in 11 days. The installer was very good and no damage to our property. Took the team from 8am to all finish by 2pm."

Comments on the system performance: "Our system runs though our controlled side which runs all but the hot water.  Our usage has dropped from 14 units a day to average of 6 units. In April the extra power export was 84, May 81, June 60 and will exceed 80+ for July. To compare June 13 use was 624 unit, Jun 14 178 units."

Advice: "Good value for money. If my money was in the bank interest will be about $250 for the year compared to a power bill saving of over $600. Systems life is 25 years and power prices are only going to rise and with this installed it gets the priced locked in to approx. 13.5 cents per unit."

Alan, New Plymouth, Taranaki

Review Date: 09/07/2014

Size: 2.5kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "Great, not problems efficient and friendly."

Comments on the system performance: "Going into winter you wouldn't expect too much but it has been better than I expected and power bills are way down."

Advice: "Solar will only get cheaper and power will get dearer so I think Iam onto a winner here."

Hans, Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Review Date: 09/07/2014

Size: 10kW

Running for: 7 months

Comments on the installation: "The installation went as planned. Friendly installers, good communication etc."

Comments on the system performance: "The system performs as planned; we are rural and definitely saving a lot on our power bills; we may become power bill 'neutral' after a year."

Advice: "For us, this was an excellent investment. Power is an expense that keeps coming back, year-after-year. We simply enjoy seeing how the system is performing."

Neil, Timaru, Canterbury

Review Date: 30/06/2014

Size: 3.2kW

Running for: 9 months

Comments on the installation: "Very good installers. Installers placed cardboard on the lawn so it would not cut up and carpet on the roof where they were walking over and working on. The intial installation took 2 days.  Had to wait for the Lines Company to sign it off."

Comments on the system performance: "Very pleased with its performance. Currently my export total is 1999 KWHs and import total is 2171 KWHs You need to take account the poor weather we have had here in Timaru over the past 2 months. We only have a heatpump for heating.  At the end of April import total 1195 KWHs was and the export total was 1889 KWHs. I went into this looking for a return of more that 4.5% on my orginal investment of $12500, not what the pay back term would be!"

Robin,, Wellington

Review Date: 28/06/2014

Size: 2kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "The installation was straightforward and completed in less than a day.  No problems with the equipment so far. The installer was very helpful and prompt to reply to any queries I had."

Comments on the system performance: "The performance has been expected. Installing it during Autumn is not the best time of year but even on a clear day the output has been approx. 7-8kWh. In summer with a higher sun and longer daylight the output I estimate will be nearer 16kWh.  Savings on average are 30 to 40% lower bills."

Advice: "There are lots of factors to consider when choosing to go solar or not. The most important factor is whether your lifestyle can support you using as much electricity during the day generated from your panels.  The payback period can vary markedly depending on the cost of installation, your current electricity plan and your lifestyle so I encourage people to do some analysis before deciding to go solar."