Hi UT...when I did a stack of research into solar power, before Garrett suddenly closed it that day in June 2008 ???
in the northern parts of Aus where there is the most sun, the panels can average 80-90% power...but in the southern states, its much lower, less sun, so in Melb we could only expect 50% or less of sun power...
I find I dont need it in Melb....we rarely have the heat of the sun or temperatures like they do in Qld or the north....
winter heating costs in Melb using gas has been nominal...no big deal but in NSW with the higher electricty costs, and higher temps...its a whole different ball game...and nsw govnuts are raising electricty costs again by 30%...
in Albury, extreme temps in other parts of the country, are normal in Albury, highs of 40% plus for summer and minus for winter....the solar panels would probably reach above 75% in the summer, and be useless in winter.... the more inland you are, the more extreme temps, it is usually milder towards or on the coast.... I have a water cooler system on one house it has been stunning for the summer, but I also put in a refrigerted system, for heating in the winter....that was before the solar power was affordable or rebates applied... so maybe I should go with a water cooler system, using solar for the other houses... I had quotes for between $7000 to $15,000 (dodgy bros I assume) after the rebates....friend has recently been quoted $2500 for the same job I had heard hail stones can damage them...but advised good panels will not be adversly affected... agree you need to get good advice..... just by the way....I had Origin energy install an aircond, I had problems with it, it was not suited to the climate in that area, it was made for Qld temperatures, I fought with Origin (franchisee system) they have since closed down their shop, and do not offer that service in that area.... so much for going to a big retailer, for safety.....
not sure if the problem was with the franchisee system...but it has made me a little wary... ps I appreciate your input
