Hi, from South Australia.

[DutchAussieProductions]

Hi, I am DutchAussie from South Australia.
I have just joined this forum to improve my knowledge about solar systems.
We have a 2.2 kW grid tied solar powered system on our roof.
Our inverter is a Growatt 2.2 kW device.

 

[wattmatters]

Welcome. A few of us Aussies here. You are in the solar capital of the world in Sth Aus.

What plans do you have?

 

[DutchAussieProductions]

Welcome. A few of us Aussies here. You are in the solar capital of the world in Sth Aus.

What plans do you have?

I would like to put a 10 kW solar sytem on the back of our house (facing NW) but I am locked into a contract until 2028. The contract gives me A$ 0,54 per KW/hr exported. Any changes will void the contract. I will also buy an electric car when the federal government finally decides to join the rest of the world preventing major climate change. I plan on charging the car from those 10kW panels. I hope they hurry up because I am 81 years old already.

 

[wattmatters]

I would like to put a 10 kW solar sytem on the back of our house (facing NW) but I am locked into a contract until 2028. The contract gives me A$ 0,54 per KW/hr exported.

Ah, yes. The PFIT lock-in dilemma.

Assuming you've crunched the numbers on foregoing the PFIT and replacing with or adding a large grid tied system and worked out it's not worthwhile, at least not yet, then about the only other path I can suggest (depending on how your PFIT contract rules are written) is to maximise your PFIT exports by taking as much of your current daytime consumption as possible off-grid.

I will also buy an electric car when the federal government finally decides to join the rest of the world preventing major climate change. I plan on charging the car from those 10kW panels. I hope they hurry up because I am 81 years old already.

You'll be waiting a long time I'm afraid with this mob. And even in the renewable energy enlightened state of SA the state govt is proposing to tax EV use (even though they have delayed introduction of the tax, it's hardly an encouraging signal).

If you want an EV, just buy one.

 

[BMcL]

Is it legal for you to use solar off-grid ?
My entire system in the US is off-grid. It's just too much hassle dealing with government regulations.
Will Prowse has a grid-tied system on his house but uses a large off-grid system to charge his electric cars :

 

[wattmatters]

Is it legal for you to use solar off-grid ?

Yes.

It is fairly common in rural/regional Australia for properties to have off-grid systems. They just need to be installed to code. Some off-grid systems supply the whole property, while others are for special purposes such as pumping. There are many specialist off-grid power system installation businesses here.

Off-grid in city/urban areas here is rare, it's just not economic compared with a grid tied system.

 

[toms]

I think a DIY off-grid system while retaining and reconfiguring your grid-tie system to maximise feed in tariffs would be economical.

The ready availability of inexpensive used solar equipment has been fantastic for off-gridders.

There are always 5kw SMA systems with all the PV/racking/cabling available for less than 1k(aud). Combine this with a 10kwh LiFePO4 pack, BMS and Sunny Island inverter and you have a system capable of running your house with minimal need for grid-charging.

You just need to run the numbers on your power useage to see how long it will take to get your 10k investment back.