Reviews From Solar Power System Owners

Louis, Manukau City, Auckland

Review Date: 07/03/2023

Size: 8kW

Running for: 2.5 months

Expected pay back period: 8 years

Comments on the installation: "They were great, done in a day"

Comments on the system performance: "Performance is as expected. Power bill was $250/month, now $0 and that includes charging an electric car so no more petrol bills either"

Advice: "I have installed solar because I wanted to do my bit to limit global warming, not because the payback stacks up. "

Dwayne , Auckland City, Auckland

Review Date: 04/03/2023

Size: 6.8kW

Running for: 2 weeks

Expected return on investment: 14%

Expected pay back period: 8 years + cost of finance

Comments on the installation: "Installed professionally, requested landscape panels to prevent leaf buildup and birds nesting in the support rails."

Comments on the system performance: "Has performed great, even survived an ex-cyclone. Our offpeak power (11am to 5pm) dropped lots despite hot water heating at this time, and total daily power is about half."

Advice: "Dont bother with batteries, but get a system with DC charging output so you have the most battery options if you choose to add them later when costs and technology improves."

Paul, Waitakere City, Auckland

Review Date: 24/09/2022

Size: 8.58

Running for: 2 months

Expected return on investment: 5.3

Expected pay back period: 15 years

Comments on the installation: "Excellent. Value proposition. Professional, friendly and knowledgeable sales, installation and back up staff. Two weeks from signing contract to completed installation. Installation was done very professionally and property was left tidy. Very satisfied and will definitely recommend the company."

Comments on the system performance: "System performing delivering double the proposal power. Have saved $150 per month and this is in a particularly wet Winter. Cannot wait for clear weather to be constant."

Advice: "As the weather becomes more intense/severe in both Summer and Winter and we increasingly use our heating and cooling appliances, not only will it be increasingly costly, the power grid is going to come under pressure to deliver, so secure your supply by installing solar now before the rush."

Jayant, Auckland City, Auckland

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."

Simon, Auckland City, Auckland

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'"

G & D, North Shore City, Auckland

Review Date: 23/11/2020

Size: 5kW

Running for: 3 months

Expected return on investment: 60%+

Expected pay back period: 7-8 years

Comments on the installation: "Barry Warmback & the team's service was prompt, efficient, effective, courteous & respectful."

Comments on the system performance: "The performance of the system (5kW including the battery) has been impressive and has already reduced our grid consumption and power bill."

Advice: "I would highly recommend adding a solar system to your property as it reduces power bills, adds value to your home and is good for the environment."

Jennifer, Auckland City, Auckland

Review Date: 11/11/2020

Size: 8 kW

Running for: 10 x panels 18 months and 8 x panels and battery 6 months

Expected pay back period: 8

Comments on the installation: "I found it stressful on both occasions. The installers were not properly prepared and have not installed things as I would have liked."

Comments on the system performance: "They have performed as I thought. We have saved at least $100 per month on power and I have used more than previously."

Advice: "I think it is worthwhile. It is better if power can be used as produced. I think the suppliers should pay more for the buy back as they are getting very cheap power."

Saveun, Waitakere City, Auckland

Review Date: 07/09/2020

Size: 2.5kw

Running for: 3months

Expected return on investment: 100 at some point..

Expected pay back period: 6-7 years

Comments on the installation: "Guys were good. The cabling isn't too hard on the eyes but will deal with this in future."

Comments on the system performance: "Has been ok coming out of winter.. looking forward to seeing how it goes over summer. Should have some $0 days ahead of us."

Advice: "You guys are providing a great service thanks. Keep doing what you're doing."

clifford, Rodney, Auckland

Review Date: 12/06/2020

Size: 4.6 kW

Running for: 2 weeks

Expected return on investment: have not calculated yet

Expected pay back period: This was not a reason for installing the use of savings to enhance the value of our home was.

Comments on the installation: "Quite good though we had one callback to improved tie down of panels on a very exposed roof. However it took 2 weeks for an electrical inspector to sign system off."

Comments on the system performance: "looks good so far but no power bills yet."

Advice: "Very good. Today with an overcast sky and watery winter sunshine we were generating 1.8 kW. Because of the location of our house it is very difficult for me to take a good photo. I will try and get one of my Grandsons to do it sometime."

John, North Shore City, Auckland

Review Date: 23/08/2019

Size: 3kW, 10 panels, no batteries

Running for: 11 weeks

Expected return on investment: 5% ? Not an investment but better use of my money as a one-off than going into ever increasing power costs.

Expected pay back period: 5-6 years

Comments on the installation: "No hassles, great job and went quickly and well, taking half a day. Water heater iBoost clamp meter fitted to wrong cable so no saving shown on hot water until rectified by Engineer when queried weeks later. The company Solar Engineer has been very helpful and was fixed day after complaint. Estimated compensation provided so no real loss. Some weeks delay from panel installation and fast inspection (on the next Saturday) to activation because power company did not advise that the new import/export meter had been fitted. The supplier was the middle cost of the three quotes and all otherwise extra charges (new meter supply and installation, iBoost hot water controller, web-site monitoring, and best buy-back commercial rate?) were included. It is also one of the large retail power companies so is likely to still be around for any future maintenance or issues."

Comments on the system performance: "Performance okay but less saving than expected, though it presently is autumn/winter so expecting improvements. It is fortunate that we are home during daylight hours to get max benefit. Handy analytic website shows about 200kW savings per month so far. It is hard to estimate dollar saving yet as the new power prices had just kicked in at the same time with a new contract so can't easily compare before and after. This was the main reason for looking into solar to reduce future price hikes. Winter has early afternoon panel shading that drastically reduces output (as expected)."

Advice: "Not much benefit without battery backup in a working household where power is not used much during daylight generating hours except for water heating. Would need to setup a battery charging system to provide night power. Daytime solar would go the water heating and battery charging. Would recommend fitting an 'iBoost' or similar hot water controller that only diverts power to the cylinder when in excess, but can also provide programmed or manual grid supply top-up if needed."

Sandamali, Waitakere City, Auckland

Review Date: 19/05/2019

Size: 3kw

Running for: 6 weeks

Expected return on investment: 10%

Expected pay back period: 11 years

Comments on the installation: "It took them a few tries to get everything right and deliver what had been agreed on. Wish it had been more streamlined and didn't require so much toing and froing. "

Comments on the system performance: "System is not producing more than 2.6kw at any given time even when it is at the most sunniest. I know it is autumn, so waiting to get a full years worth of data before deciding something is wrong. I am saving about $40 per month of my $150 power bill. It requires a lot of thinking and planning to maximise day time usage. "

Advice: "Do you research and don't believe what the solar companies tell you. A consumption monitoring system is a must and try to go for a good brand of panel and inverter. Get quotes from different companies and figure out the differences in what they recommend and learn from it. I ended up combining the best of all the systems recommended and finding a company that would deliver it. It did mean that my installer didn't have much experience in the brand of inverter I wanted, so I had to figure out how to make things work on my own from where they left. off. The installers aren't used to being challenged, but do it anyway. The more you learn about solar, the better off you would be. Solar is not worth getting if you are not on electric for everything in your home, including heating and hot water. A hot water diverter instead of a timer is a worthwhile investment. "

Shirley, Manukau City, Auckland

Review Date: 29/01/2019

Size: 5kw

Running for: 4 months

Expected pay back period: 8-9 yrs

Comments on the installation: "Very well organised, very careful, very courteous and all up and running in 2 days."

Comments on the system performance: "Better than expected. Power bill more than halved despite having an electric car."

Advice: "Many houses get plenty of sun and folk think nothing of spending thousands on refurbishing, holidays or vehicles. why not solar power?"

Trevor, Franklin, Auckland

Review Date: 08/01/2019

Size: 4.4kw

Running for: As a 2.2kw for 2 years. 4.4kw since 10/10/2018

Expected return on investment: About 10% per year.

Expected pay back period: 10 years

Comments on the installation: "Excellent. They were considerate and helpful."

Comments on the system performance: "As we had indicated by the installers. Power account currently in credit because of rebates. $50 - $100 less per month so far."

Advice: "If you have a north facing roof - go for it!"

Doug , Franklin, Auckland

Review Date: 21/03/2018

Size: 3.6kW

Running for: 6 weeks

Expected return on investment: Cost $8.5k, expect payoff in <5 years

Expected pay back period: 5 years

Comments on the installation: "Yes, took great care. One day to install."

Comments on the system performance: "Last power bill was $1. Unbelievable!"

Advice: "I should have installed 20 panels rather than 12. Would have cost $2500 extra but would be money well spent."

Susan, Manukau City, Auckland

Review Date: 10/01/2018

Size: 2.7kW

Running for: 2 months

Expected pay back period: 10 years

Comments on the installation: "So easy. One day and all done. No mess. No fuss. "

Comments on the system performance: "Perfect time to install for the good weather at beginning of summer. We have saved about $100 per month. 1/3 if our bill. But it is summer in Auckland, won't be so good when it rains."

Advice: "Very happy with the results so far. Nice to be able to see what the solar is doing. Make sure you move your electric hot water to heating after 10am, and get maximum benefits from those sun rays. "

Graeme , Auckland City, Auckland

Review Date: 23/11/2017

Size: 4.5

Running for: 3 months

Expected return on investment: 10%

Expected pay back period: 12-15

Comments on the installation: "Very respectful, very clear presentations"

Comments on the system performance: "Saving nearly 50% at presnet"

Advice: "The company I selected dropped the price 20% when a competitor gave me a better price. Pretty disconcerting!"

Malcolm, Auckland City, Auckland

Review Date: 20/10/2017

Size: 3kW

Running for: 3.5mth

Expected return on investment: not important

Expected pay back period: not important

Comments on the installation: "install was earlier than expected. Everything went up very quickly. Minor issue with monitoring wiring sorted at a later date. Had to wait nearly 2 weeks for sign off etc."

Comments on the system performance: "System produces power but saving occur mainly on weekend as normally not at home when full sun is available. Extra is exported at present."

Mickie, Manukau City, Auckland

Review Date: 06/09/2017

Size: 5kW

Running for: 1 month

Expected return on investment: zero

Comments on the installation: "The installers did a great job and sure they look after my property. It took them one day for installation but took 3 week for the inspector to signed off the system"

Comments on the system performance: "The solar power unit performed very well but it broke down after a month & now waiting for a replacement"

Advice: "Is a great investment. "

La Mea , Franklin, Auckland

Review Date: 29/05/2017

Size: 5kw

Running for: 2 months

Expected return on investment: not sure

Expected pay back period: 10 years

Comments on the installation: "Found them on the internet. The guys were very pleasant and mindful of our property. You could not wish for nicer guys."

Comments on the system performance: "The solar has been producing between 6 and 21 kws a day depending on the weather. We saved $100 on our first power bill."

Advice: "It is the best thing we could have done."

James, Rodney, Auckland

Review Date: 11/05/2017

Size: 5kw

Running for: Two weeks

Expected return on investment: Greater than 50%

Expected pay back period: 8yrs

Comments on the installation: "Excellent service, very helpful."

Comments on the system performance: "To early to tell but seems to generating well."

Advice: "Think seriously about installing a solar panel system. "

Tim, Auckland

Review Date: 27/11/2016

Size: 2 kW

Running for: 2 Months

Comments on the installation: "Very quick and easy installation."

Comments on the system performance: "The performance of my system as been outstanding. My power bill has dropped from $260 a month to just $95 for last month."

Advice: "It is a great investment - really worth having."

Bill, Manukau City, Auckland

Review Date: 26/02/2016

Size: 2 kW

Running for: 1 months

Comments on the installation: "No problem with PVSolar, In spite of a partnership breakdown they completed the job. Took a little longer however the Christmas break came in the middle of the installation and that accounted for some of the delay."

Comments on the system performance: "The system seems to be producing consistent 8-10 kwh per day at present (Summer in Auckland). Have had only one power bill so far from Mercury for half of January- 173Kwh $47.54 as apposed to 173Kwh whole of January 2015 at $55.33.Non- discounted . So looking like a 8.6% saving."

Advice: "While the short term benefit may not look attractive, over time this has to be a better option than paying ever increasing electricity tarriffs."

Sanjay, Papakura, Auckland, Auckland

Review Date: 08/02/2016

Size: 2.5 kW

Running for: 3 months

Comments on the installation: "My Solar was installed and commissioned by "World Solar" and the company gave me a great customer experience. The installers were very competent, qualified and efficient. The Project Manager was very friendly and approachable. He responded promptly to any queries or concerns. He was available in the weekends as well. World Solar went an extra-mile in helping me negotiate an Import-Export Meter from my electricity supplier. I am very thankful to this Company."

Comments on the system performance: "The Solar has made a significant difference in my Power Bill and I am happy about making the choice of having Solar to top up my electricity supply."

Advice: "Solar System is an investment that will provide savings to a household in a long run. In addition to this, Solar adds value to your House."

Sandra, Rodney, Auckland

Review Date: 26/11/2015

Size: 4 kW

Running for: 7 weeks

Comments on the installation: "Great. Installers were considerate and made sure we were happy with each part of the installation especially the placement of the inverter."

Comments on the system performance: "Yes performance great. Amazed that on some days we were producing more than 4 kW. Since installation early October we have not produced less than 10 kW. Our record day so far was this week when we produced 28.5 kW. Power bill down by $80 the first month but hopefully this will increase with summer."

Advice: "Down side of solar if you are not getting batteries installed is that you still use power at night - TV, lights, oven etc. The power companies charge you around 4x the price for your imported power as your exported power."