Ok. over the next few weeks or so, I'm gonna discuss, rate and compare different solar grid connected systems. These are going to systems offered from competing companies, and even different setups from the same companies.

I will discuss everything from their efficiency, size, cost, technologies, rebates, inverters and even how long they'll take to pay themselves off.

These prices are from nichollssolar.com.au, They are pretty standard.
There are other companies such as Braemac Energy that are offering 1kw systems as low as $3200.

Green One - 1kW Solar PV array.......................................$3,900
One Plus One - 1kW Solar PV array upgradable to 2kW..............$5,800
Solar 1.5 - 1.5kW Solar PV array.......................................$9,900
Solar 2 - 2kW Solar PV array............................................$13,900

The problem with comparrisons is you need to compare apples with apples..
Some companies use cheap chineese made pannels and thus can offer very low prices and questionable quality/service
where others use top of the range pannels like Sunpower pannels and thus "seem" more expensive but
in the long term maybe a better option...

I'm new to this forum but I hope someone can point me in the right direction.

Origin Energy are offering what appears to be a good deal on 1.5 kW system in NSW utilising 8x Sharp NV188 (18volt) panels and a 1600 kw inverter. $5000 installed.

My query is about the quality of the hardware and the limitations on subsequently increasing the capacity with extra panels. ie is it all worth it?

Whadya reckon,

GeoffB

Hi ,

seems a bit pricey. If look harder and you''ll find better deals.
Sunsavers http://www.sunsavers.com.au have a 1.5KW system with a sunnyboy 1700 and suntech panels for $4500.
If your in sydney, JT Solar http://www.jtsolar.com.au can do 1.53KW for around $4000, with a 2.2KW (CMS) inverter.

Sharp make good panels, are they polycrystalline or monocrystalline?
Mono is better value due to their superior performance in lower light conditions.

The Sharp panels model number is NU-188EY and the brochure describes them as Single Crystal. They are 994mmx1328mm.
Are the JT Solar and Suntech offerings of comparable quality?