Solar Panels

[samh004]

I've recently started seeing ads for panels that are a part of the roof tile. I have no idea of the specs naturally, but if they were okay and I was commencing a new build, using roof tiles that had solar built-in would be great. I appreciate for this there would naturally be a premium.

 

[Quickstatus]

I've recently started seeing ads for panels that are a part of the roof tile. I have no idea of the specs naturally, but if they were okay and I was commencing a new build, using roof tiles that had solar built-in would be great. I appreciate for this there would naturally be a premium.

Interesting...
I think the technology has a way to go yet.
Can you walk on the tiles, is it more prone to hailstone damage and storm damage compared to concrete tiles.

 

[samh004]

Interesting...
I think the technology has a way to go yet.
Can you walk on the tiles, is it more prone to hailstone damage and storm damage compared to concrete tiles.

Looks like the tech has been around a little bit.

Solar roof tiles in Australia

The water cooler tiles look cool and were something I wondered if it was possible myself, but that price point... HAH!

Anyway, just remembered about it when reading the thread so thought I'd bring it up.

 

[Quickstatus]

At that price it is still much more expensive than roofing plus panels for a new build.

But it may make sense for high end houses with street facing north aspect and those who want a wow factor

 

[cove]

Reflection time.....I just figured that we are close to having 500 kilowatts of solar energy at our various properties across Australia and we are not quite finished.
We chose Toyota Camry Hybrids for our work cars and despite the 3 month wait it has been worth it.
Electric cars may become possible for us once the battery technology gets the cars to a 700 kilometre range per charge.

 

[moa999]

Whilst not critical to all, for my 30kW,

Wow. Big system then.

From what I can tell the black panels are now about 10W less so 300/310W for example which is probably less of an issue as you generally oversize for inverter limits these days. (Eg 6.5kW system for 5kW inverter)

 

[moa999]

Electric cars may become possible for us once the battery technology gets the cars to a 700 kilometre range per charge.

Do you regularly drive 700km though.. you are paying a lot for battery capacity you barely use otherwise (and all the added weight)

The speed of the new superchargers is making an 80% charge a 15min job.
And you've got other options in the petrol-electric hybrids which are arguably better for the occasional longer journey.

 

[cove]

I was thinking more about our sales folks who are doing way more kms than Mrscove and myself.
We have hybrid Lexus cars. Our business vehicles did 1.1 million kms last year.

 

[Quickstatus]

PV makes sense for when the majority of demand occurs when the sun shines

I’d like a 500km actual range when electric car heater/aircon on, stop start in city, below zero cold temps, headlights, and 3 passengers. That’s not for driving in city, but to get out of town on a Friday afternoon and drive to Jindabyne.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I've recently started seeing ads for panels that are a part of the roof tile.

I looked at these when I installed my array but it was too early in their evolution. My biggest concern then, still holds now, that being failures. All electrical products can fail, some after a fairly short duration. What do you do if a few tiles in an expensive roof fails? It's fine to say warranty but that doesn't help if the company has gone belly up and look at solar products now as opposed to five years ago. Different sizes! Look at kitchens, doesn't really matter the brand, there is a degree of standardisation. Hot plates can generally be easily replaced, as can ovens etc. There is a need for standardisation between roof panels before I'd take the risk of building a whole roof around them.

 

[jb747]

Does anyone have or researched the more aesthetic black or slimline panels?

I suspect mine might fit that....275 watts. I have a charcoal roof, on a new house, and wanted the installation to look as tidy as possible.

And has anyone used micro inverters over a regular inverter.

Again yes. For a couple of reasons. One was that I did not want any inverters on my walls. Secondly, there are small patches of shade at various times of day, and the micro inverters minimise the effects. I have panel level monitoring..

The downside is that it's appreciably more expensive.

 

[Quickstatus]

I suspect mine might fit that....275 watts....
...
the micro inverters...

Any issues since installation?

 

[jb747]

Any issues since installation?

None whatsoever....

 

[cove]

Don’t forget to wash the solar panels as that will improve the performance.

 

[Quickstatus]

My local installer doesn’t believe in microinverters MI. Says they are not reliable and has stopped installing them.

But I like the shade mitigation, avoidance of long DC cable runs, maybe increased efficiency, scalability, and I think some MI are 3 phase

Don’t forget to wash the solar panels as that will improve the performance.

I’ve toyed with the idea of a ground mounted system for this reason but the cost is double.. It’s not easy to clean solar panels if they are on a double storey house?. If it’s not easy it won’t get done.

 

[tgh]

The novelty has long worn off here, dirty panels and never check the inverter output.
We mostly still get a credit each month which was the whole point of the exercise.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Mine are currently on a 35o pitch. Although difficult to wash, that angle tends to allow rain to do the job nicely.
That was the roof as it exists. Later this year they will be transferred to a new roof where I've designed a walkway for easy maintenance.

 

[RB]

Does anyone have or researched the more aesthetic black or slimline panels?

And has anyone used micro inverters over a regular inverter.

My parents have moved into a perfect property for solar with a north facing 70sqm roof on about a 30 degree slope but being quite visible from the street are a little conscious of aesthetics, and while it's relatively good shade wise there is a very annoying tall palm tree that will cast shadows.

The LG Neons are more black on the frame
LG335N1C - Low Cost & Efficient Solar Panels | LG Solar Energy Australia

 

[VPS]

Don’t forget to wash the solar panels as that will improve the performance.

When I asked my solar guy if I should get them washed he said don't bother - it's rubbish

 

[Quickstatus]

When I asked my solar guy if I should get them washed he said don't bother - it's rubbish

Well if he said it needs to be regularly cleaned he won’t sell as many panels