Perth houses..........mind the gap

[VERYSTORMY]

The thing is though, if solar was a mandatory in the building codes, then the increased use would bring the costs down significantly.

[jasepom]

We had a house built and solar was in the inclusions (for heating water), so happy about that. Yes the houses are flimsy though and you put your trust in the builder as quality can vary substantially. We were lucky as we had a really good site manager who got us the best tradies so wasn't a lot to complain about when finished (compared to some horror stories).

 

But having said that, you do get a large brand new house with modern conveniences (walk in robes, showers and new bathroom/kitchen) plus the fact that the house does have a guarantee on workmanship.

 

I think they are better value for money than the dreaded Barrat houses (pokey with radiators to bash against) in UK and you have the bonus of a garage that's big enough to put your car in too !:laugh:

[Pommyaussie]

I see maintenance issues a bit like pest prevention, you don't keep a spraying you will get bit:wink:

 

Exactly. Everyone who gets solar put in thinks once it's in that's it. Sit back and watch the energy roll in and costs of bills evaporate - but so far everyone I know who has had it and who claims this to be the case, when I start to ask questions they get embarrassed as it's "early days yet" and the facts don't seem to stack up even though the emotional excitement is there. I then feel crap because I'm peeing on their bonfire when all I want is for it to be beneficial so I can see the benefits and put it in.

 

I really want to go for it - but only when I can see factually that it's a great saving. I'm a risk taker but I'm also tight with me money:skeptical::arghh:

[Guest Guest66881]

A guy by us as his entire roof on two sides fully covered in panels, he also as the water pipes running all over the roof to collect hot water via the sun, must be something to it if he's gone that far, that said he must have a regular maintenance contract in place even panels need a clean you know.

[Incata]

[Q UOTE=Incata;1936401723]We have also insulated the house and it has made a huge difference to the temperature inside - both in the summer (now) and in the winter (after we had it installed).

 

Draftproofing is next, when we have the rest of the renovation and building work done.

 

What insulation have you put in ?

 

We used a firm called Insulation Extract and they put in Earthwool Batts. They also took away the rubbish which was up there (some sort of polywool which did not insulate at all).

 

We were really impressed with how quickly and efficiently they did the work. They were cost effective as well. I would recommend them.

Edited January 2, 2014 by Incata

[Pommyaussie]

A guy by us as his entire roof on two sides fully covered in panels, he also as the water pipes running all over the roof to collect hot water via the sun, must be something to it if he's gone that far, that said he must have a regular maintenance contract in place even panels need a clean you know.

Just because someone does something doesn't make it worth it? That's why I take all the emotion out of it and look at the cost vs benefits. Some people believe everything the salesman tells them - I want to be proven wrong so I can get the soddin things put in:cool:

[Incata]

Will it last that long? What about repairs or replacement costs?

 

We fully expect it to last that long and the research we have done online suggests that they will, with only minor loss of efficiency over time. We went for Tier 1 panels, which are the most expensive but the best quality. For us, the quality of the panels was more important than the price and we only paid $3k more for the top quality panels than the cheap and poor quality Chinese ones we were quoted for. I very much doubt we will have to replace any of the panels unless they are damaged by hail (in which case it is a claim on the home insurance policy). I think the panels have a 10 or 12 year warantee and the workmanship is covered by the company for 2 years. We used solar2020 (who are Brits) and their work was of a very high standard (especially in comparison to the Australians who put our Solar Hot Water system in).

 

I have not yet spoken to anyone who has had to have Tier 1 panels repaired or replaced so it is not something I am worried about at this stage.

 

However, when it comes to Solar Hot Water I have spoken to plenty of people who have had problems with their systems and I can't say I am overly impressed with the system we have. I certainly would not recommend it.

Edited January 2, 2014 by Incata

[Incata]

But warranties are only as good as the company - it's not unusual for companies to go bust and the warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. Are you saying a good quality system will last 20 years with no additional costs anticipated?

 

I'm not being awkward mate I just think people are under the impression you buy a system and once it's installed there are no other maintenance issues or upkeep required and that all companies warranties are kosha. I've lived here long enough to see more companies go bust than I can shake a stick at and shonky equipment that needs upkeep and then there are buy back schemes that promise the world and don't deliver because the power companies decide to reduce the payback amount.

 

I'm not saying solar panels are crap or the schemes won't work - I'm just saying so far I've not been able to look at any facts and see a proper payback and to be honest I would love to be wrong as there's nothing I'd love more than reduce these massive power bills. Like a previous poster says, so far the facts just demonstrate builders bling. I won't give up though as I would seriously like to get a result to be able to buy something that reduces the bills which are mental over here.

 

Thanks for your patience re this mate. I appreciate the feedback.

 

The warrantee is with the company who makes the panels. Admittedly they can go bust, so you need to pick your company and your panels carefully.

 

As far as upkeep, our panels need a wash periodically and that is it. Nothing else to worry about. As Chardy says, the thing that can go wrong is the Inverter, so again, you make sure you choose a good quality one.

 

If I were you I would discount the money you get back from the grid for electricity sold back. At about 8.8cents per unit it really is nothing to write home about. However, the cost savings are in the electricity you use during the day that you then are not having to pay for (current rate about 26 cents per unit). For us this covers using the pool pump/filter, air con when required, the washing machine usage and the dishwasher (which now go on during the day rather than in the evening). The only electricity we end up paying for is cooking in the evening, lights, air con (if we need it on) and the use of the computer in the evening. In the winter it reduced our costs to about $60 per month (with having the heating on every evening and morning).

 

If you work out how much electricity you use during the day (read your meter at 6/7am and then 12 hours later) you can easily work out how much electricity you are using, and then (using the cost per unit/KW provided by your electricity supplier), work out how much you pay for that electricity. That is how much you will save every day by having solar. You can then work out (from your quotes) how long it will take you to pay off the cost of the panels and then move into profit.

Edited January 2, 2014 by Incata

[Chardy]

What insulation have you put in ?

 

We used a firm called Insulation Extract and they put in Earthwool Batts. They also took away the rubbish which was up there (some sort of polywool which did not insulate at all).

 

We were really impressed with how quickly and efficiently they did the work. They were cost effective as well. I would recommend them.

 

Ah ok so just roof insulation, we will already have that in the new house, would like something in the walls ideally though.

Not sure cavity fill is a great idea as the electrics run in the cavity too which is also a crazy practice I reckon!

I think we will eventually build again using SIPs to achieve high insulation values and low air permeability plus double glazing, passive cooling and maybe gas/solar underfloor heating for the winter.........just need a builder willing to take it on !

[flybyknight]

What insulation have you put in ?

 

We used a firm called Insulation Extract and they put in Earthwool Batts. They also took away the rubbish which was up there (some sort of polywool which did not insulate at all).

 

We were really impressed with how quickly and efficiently they did the work. They were cost effective as well. I would recommend them.

 

Ah ok so just roof insulation, we will already have that in the new house, would like something in the walls ideally though.

Not sure cavity fill is a great idea as the electrics run in the cavity too which is also a crazy practice I reckon!

I think we will eventually build again using SIPs to achieve high insulation values and low air permeability plus double glazing, passive cooling and maybe gas/solar underfloor heating for the winter.........just need a builder willing to take it on !

 

 

have a chat with these guys http://passivehouseaustralia.org/

 

this is the only standard i'll trust out here in Australia, the shite ive seen called 6* over the last year has left me with little trust in both australian building standards or builders. so my build will fit into australian standards, but will be built to the passive house standard.

 

we went to a meeting in melbourne and there are builders who they know of with experience of factory built, and on site SIP construction.

we will go for factory built in our project, you just can't get the quality and airtightness building on site.

you wouldn't build your car on the drive, why build your house there?

[Incata]

What insulation have you put in ?

 

We used a firm called Insulation Extract and they put in Earthwool Batts. They also took away the rubbish which was up there (some sort of polywool which did not insulate at all).

 

We were really impressed with how quickly and efficiently they did the work. They were cost effective as well. I would recommend them.

 

Ah ok so just roof insulation, we will already have that in the new house, would like something in the walls ideally though.

Not sure cavity fill is a great idea as the electrics run in the cavity too which is also a crazy practice I reckon!

I think we will eventually build again using SIPs to achieve high insulation values and low air permeability plus double glazing, passive cooling and maybe gas/solar underfloor heating for the winter.........just need a builder willing to take it on !

 

We looked at getting cavity fill but it was too expensive, not practical for our house and with the amount of extra work to do, it would be cheaper for us to flatten the place and start over. However, hubbie is in love with the house :rolleyes:

[Guest Ptp113]

There is not a lot now that I am willing to get into a dispute about in the Oz / UK thing as I now enjoy living here. But, the building codes are a joke.

 

The one that amazes me no end is the energy efficiency. Why oh why is there not a requirement for all new builds to have solar? Amazing stupidity.

 

You are as usual being a typical pom in thinking it's the same everywhere in Oz, when of course it isn't. If you don't like it move somewhere else or back óme!