Renewable Here We Come

Whilst on a bike ride the other day I met another of my regulars and got talking to him about Solar Energy.  He has had a small system on for around 4 years now and he has been happy with it.  I asked him about his inverter's brand and he also answered "Latronic" which is the model made here in Caloundra.

We have decided to go with the smaller 1.6kw system from the local guys.  As we drove around to their factory to place our order and pay a deposit we noticed a huge new modern looking building almost completed and ready to be occupied.  It turns out that is the new site of Latronic.  They have been going great and have needed to expand.  It seems very likely they are a highly viable concern so should be able to provide long term backup service.

With recent government rebate cutbacks the tariff for your own solar generated power going back into the grid is 16c.  It used to be triple that!  It was suggested we put the pool pump onto Tariff 33 (there is a $250 Rebate to do this).  Electricity on Tariff 33 is charged at 17c.  Tariff 33 is guaranteed to run for a minimum of 18 hours per day.  It turns 'off'' during the evening peak hours.  So our pool running costs will go from 25c to 1c.  Being a 'small' system (and therefore cheaper to put on in the first place) it should more than cover our electricity needs for the day and hopefully reduce our power bill between 40% and 50%.

It all gets installed on Monday week (May 20th). The boss of the company popped out this morning for a quick site inspection.  All is 'go'.

At last we had a few showers overnight and a total of around 8mls.  This gave the pool a bit of a top up.  Despite being cooler, the water was still evaporating even though at a slower rate.  This is the first rain we have had for around 2 weeks.

Kerrie and Ian are around for drinks this afternoon, I am not sure about John and Margaret who have Marg's ill mum still with them.

Much cooler today than previously so winter seems to be getting closer.  I haven't dared get into the pool in case the cold causes some 'damage' to me!  28 degrees expected tomorrow but it looks like low to mid 20's all next week.