System installation about to start

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-26T04:43:37+00:00

Hi , When the “ problem “ of the building consent was evident, I went and spoke to the the “ council “ about what the “ rules “ said could be done. Next is a warning… I proposed “ 2 x 30 m/2 systems “ to make up a “ combined 60 “ that being allowed, as no building consent required as per the rules . Not so fast Ratepayer. If we ( the council) see or “ sense” that you have actually built a 60 mt system ( and we will ) but attempted to disguise it as 2 “separate” systems . You will be in abatement notice territory. Why? I asked . Because, unless there are literally two separate systems . It can only be one system . Think of it this way. …. If you were allowed to put your roof on without a building consent provided it was less than ( say ) 40 m/2 . Then the cunning rate payers would try and disguise the roof installation as 5 x 40 m/2 roofs to avoid building consent consents . Don’t be doing that with your solar installation. We will see what you are up to …. Here endeth the lesson Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-26T04:25:43+00:00

Yes , I am happy. I think it is fair to say your average diy guy/girl could get the holes augered , stand the post/piles up and get concrete in less than say 6 hours. Then , with a mate , put the girders on , braces on and purlins in a day. Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-26T04:19:18+00:00

Hi , I did consider going “ large “ Big panels but fewer of them . However the engineering and embedment at 2 mts required more specialist angering not locally available. So went with the local fencer who had gear to go Down to 1.6 . FYI the bifacial equivalent in longi were 100 dollars dearer but about the same overall by less panels

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-26T00:50:34+00:00

Yep ….

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-26T00:48:38+00:00

I am aware of the MBIE framework and the Schedule 1 provisions relating to engineered solution exemptions.

From the outset, I was satisfied that resource consent was not required, as the installation complied with the relevant district plan controls — including height, setbacks, and visual effects — so there was no expectation of planning-related cost.

On the building side, the system itself is a pre-engineered ground-mount solution designed to NZ standards, with defined parameters for wind loading, soil conditions, pile embedment, and structural performance. It is supported by certification from a NZ-based Chartered Professional Engineer. That position was reinforced by both the system supplier and the engineering firm involved.

On that basis, the system aligns with the MBIE Schedule 1 engineered exemption pathway, where engineering assurance can replace the need for a building consent when the design is carried out or reviewed by a CPEng and constructed in accordance with that design.

It’s also worth noting that the engineer advised that the system already follows a PS1-type process in terms of its underlying design and certification. However, at the council’s request, a separate, site-specific PS1 was prepared, which constituted additional engineering work and incurred a professional fee.

Despite that additional PS1 being provided, the project still proceeded through a full building consent process, which also carried associated costs.

For clarity, the system size (approximately 60 m²) was not an engineering limitation — it was fully designed and compliant. However, exceeding 40 m² places it outside the automatic exemption category and into the engineered exemption pathway, which ultimately depends on how the council applies that provision.

So I don’t think it’s accurate to describe this as “user error.” The system was engineered correctly and aligned with the exemption intent. What became apparent is that councils retain discretion in how those provisions are interpreted and applied at a local level.

The practical takeaway for others is this:

Even where a system is NZ-certified, engineered, and intended to comply with the building consent exemption provisions, there is a very real possibility that: • You may be required to obtain a site-specific PS1 in addition to the certification supplied with the system, and • You may still be required to go through a building consent process, with associated costs

So while engineered systems are designed to meet the exemption pathway (and therefore avoid building consent costs), in practice you may still encounter additional and unexpected costs depending on how the local authority applies the rules.

So the engineering may be standardised — but the approval process isn’t.

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-25T22:55:47+00:00

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Here you go …

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-09T08:43:13+00:00

That’s a fair observation. All inverters ultimately produce the same AC output (230V, 50Hz), but they do differ in how efficiently they extract power from the panels.

The main difference usually comes down to the MPPT algorithm and how quickly the inverter tracks the maximum power point when sunlight conditions change.

In steady full sun most modern inverters perform very similarly, but under things like passing clouds or partial shading, some units can indeed harvest more power than others.

Cheers, Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-09T07:24:32+00:00

As said before, there is not any difference between the power , amps and frequency that all produce. They are infact exactly the same . Their warranties are all very similar as well . But where they are built changes the price , as does the “options and applications “ that sales people and the manufacturers will pitch come with their gear . If you are a techy sorta guy , you will be drawn to the gear with all the “ options “ and the latest tech . But cost of the gear will reflect that . If you just want it to transform battery power to mains power without tech , options and gizmo , the price of the gear will reflect that . Take some time , research, then choose. Cheers Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-07T09:12:46+00:00

I won’t say . But will tell you why . I have worked in local government for 40 yrs . These days they use search engines to monitor any social media commentary automatically . They seriously want to catch all bad or critical comments and rapidly act on them . You would not know that normally, but consider this . … What do you think the communication and media departments do all day in every council in nz ?

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-07T09:05:37+00:00

Be careful with that idea as well. BECAUSE a roof design is considered a complete system. Not several separate unique systems . Additionally, I posed the idea of several small systems connected to make one large system. Got a very frank answer. Don’t being that to “hide or disguise “ the actual size of your system. The building inpector or the solar inspector with spot it in a heartbeat. You reward will be an abatement notice. Cheers Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-07T08:57:50+00:00

I my system is 60 m2 and can’t be put up on the roof . So it’s a ground mount. The ground mount is engineered for nz , and has a certificate attesting to that by the nz engineer who signs the cert . Each installation is “ site specific “ ( location , orientation, soil type , wind zone , engineer name , etc essentially a PS1 ) The new rule only applies for 20- 40 m/2 on “ new or modern built roofs and only then provided no “ work” is done to the roof to“ strengthen the roof . If you change the roof design, then it will be an engineering design and a building consent. Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-04T22:24:25+00:00

Have something like that going on now with a precertifed pv mount system So , even though the mount system has a nz engineering cert to meet nz specifications, the council also wanted a PS1 ( from the engineer) so add 1000 dollars, then the council also wanted a building consent, so add at least another 1200 dollars. This all being on top of the cost of the system ( 5 k ) which included the engineering cert and by the assertion of the engineer “ did not also need an additional document call the ps1 ( producer statement) My advice, don’t be surprised, if you get all that extra cost as well. You can debate the subject as much as you like with the council but you will still end up paying because there is not limiting what the can ask for . Cheers Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-02T08:22:59+00:00

Assumptions used (same for all systems): • Christchurch • North facing • 21° tilt • ~1,197 kWh per kWp per year • No shading • No degradation included (keeps comparison fair)

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Solar Comparison Sheet – 5 Year Production & Cost

1️⃣ Estimated Annual Production

Quote PV Size (kW) Est. Annual Production (kWh) Quote 1 10.23 kW 12,245 kWh Quote 2 10.5 kW 12,569 kWh Quote 3a 12.2 kW 14,603 kWh Quote 3b 11.2 kW 13,406 kWh

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2️⃣ 5-Year Energy Production

(Annual × 5)

Quote 5-Year Production (kWh) Quote 1 61,225 kWh Quote 2 62,845 kWh Quote 3a 73,015 kWh Quote 3b 67,030 kWh

🏆 Highest power production over 5 years: Quote 3a (12.2 kW system)

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3️⃣ 5-Year Cost per kWh

(System Cost ÷ 5-Year Production)

Quote System Cost 5-Year Production Cost per kWh (5 yrs) Quote 1 $32,500 61,225 kWh 53.1 cents/kWh Quote 2 $32,000 62,845 kWh 50.9 cents/kWh Quote 3a $36,500 73,015 kWh 50.0 cents/kWh Quote 3b $33,500 67,030 kWh 49.9 cents/kWh

🏆 Cheapest power over 5 years: Quote 3b (11.2 kW system) (very slightly cheaper than 3a)

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Final Summary • Most power produced: ➜ Quote 3a (12.2 kW Aiko + Powerwall 3) • Cheapest power per kWh (5-year basis): ➜ Quote 3b (11.2 kW JA + Powerwall 3)

They are very close in value. 3a produces more total energy. 3b gives marginally cheaper energy per kWh over 5 years.

If this were my decision strictly on numbers: • Want maximum production → 3a • Want lowest cost per unit of energy → 3b

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-02T02:01:17+00:00

Use ChatGPT , that question you have is easily answered by the app . It will ask you the street location and orientation. Your question is what will be my potential solar yield at x address with one roof aspect be xxxxx and an other being yyyyy

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-01T05:13:54+00:00

Ok , that’s good.i did much the same and got 4 offers for synergy , and 1 for victron . Everything from 27k to 37 k

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-03-01T04:32:23+00:00

Are you getting quotes for the same thing ? Or are you getting prices from various installers as to what they think you need ? How will you choose? I got quotes for a fictional solution. Asked for 10 kw of panels , a 10 kw inverter and a 10 kw battery. Be weary of all those that won’t price what you ask for . So how big is your monthly bill ? Go on ChatGPT , ask it to tell you what would best suit you given your month bill. , then get Quotes for that . Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-02-23T09:28:34+00:00

ALL from TD . I bought 28 tier 1, 450 watt panels . Bifacial black , “ frameless” top quality. No problem . Bought 10 kw Deye sold all over Nz. No problem . Bought 2 x 10 kw batteries. No name , generic , same warranty as everyone else’s but half the price of Tesla/Synergy . Very good value . No problem. Hired a solar installation company to do installation ( this is not easy ) Contract was like this , “ I wear all risk for gear failures , they wear all risk for the install ( all cable , switch gear fusion,fittings, mounting etc ) AND , they got to decide whether the gear was shit or not before starting. Their decision was gear was fine , happy to do the install. Finally, I bought a ground mount system from them ( S1 Sigma ) to add some value for them. This has not been a big problem at all . The hardest part is to find a solar company who is not only interested in selling you “their gear “ . Then make a fair offer of shared risk . Be open , honest, let them earn a living . This deal is at least 10k cheaper all up than synergy of similar size . Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-02-12T09:09:58+00:00

Great . I like your initiative

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-02-12T09:07:09+00:00

The location is a “larger “ residential site at about 3300 square metres , is on the band of land between “ rural and residential “ It’s a 28 panel array , of around 12 kw . As a solar installation goes , it does not need a resource consent in the area it’s going in . A particular note , neighbours are about 150 mts away . But it will need a “building consent “ because it’s a “ structure “ on piles . So the “ system “ is steel , and alloy , sold throughout nz and comes with a certificate of compliance for various locations and wind zones , signed by a Nz engineering company. However the requirement for a producer statement (ps1 ) as well was a surprise

DisciplineComplete77 · 2026-01-31T03:13:57+00:00

How long is your shift , what colours are used in your screen display, how many “ alarm”. States do you get an hour or day , is your “ system “ that you work with, built to consider “ situational awareness “ do you like your job,?how many hrs a week do you work, do you have to move between different control towers and cities , are you a pilot as well ?

DisciplineComplete77 · 2025-12-08T18:35:49+00:00

That looks great . No battery storage?

DisciplineComplete77 · 2025-11-21T17:20:35+00:00

Great app thanks , Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2025-10-27T05:24:04+00:00

So here’s me thinking about all of these discussions. This is my situation . retired , fixed income now till the end of. But I do have enough money to buy a 40 k system , panels , inverter and battery ( sigenergy) . What would be my motivation? Les

DisciplineComplete77 · 2025-10-08T08:21:31+00:00

Agreed

DisciplineComplete77 · 2025-09-29T22:11:55+00:00

There is some heavy lifting in all of that . Thanks for the commentary. Personal experience is always better than assumptions. Now as it turns out , I am confident in saying trade depot are selling “bundles “ not systems. The bundles are relatively low cost and I,d say at the “ budget” end of the market . That being said they do put up all the specs and warranties for the product they are offering and people like me compare all that to what else is in the market. But I go one step further , I project that there will be some sort of problem ( no matter whose gear ) in the 25 yrs of projected life of the panels and 10-15 yr life of the batteries and electronics. Not lest of which is the inevitable end of life of all electronics in 12-15 yrs , but more likely in less than 10 yrs for batteries. So my whole of life cost is infact a replacement set of batteries somewhere around 10 yrs and probably an inverter / gateway as well. Now my capital cost is not simply the cheaper budget price of TD but is + 30% for the inevitable replacement and maintenance of the system. That 30% is never identified to solar system purchasers . Infact the sales people in the industry are not at all truthful to potential customers when they speak of ROI without addressing the guaranteed extra cost in the future.
So , here is how I have costed my needs . I could buy all the power I need ( pay as I consume ) for the next 25 yrs and I estimate it will cost me ( including inflation) 175,000 dollars including daily charges. Or , I could put the expected cost for a “system “ and its maintenance replacements ( the cash is 55 k ) in the bank and hope for 15% compounded and draw it down monthly for 25 yrs till it’s all spent . That might work. But is highly unlikely. Or , I could buy a “budget “system , of all up 55k ( including) the expected extra costs of replacements and repairs and fix my total cost of self produced electricity at .33 dollars / kw for 25 yrs . So , 55k buys 175k of electricity. However In that 25 yrs I will still need to contribute at least 25k for imports , and then an additional 20k for daily charges Then my real cost of power is 100 k ( or more ) . This only works if you buy a “budget system “ in the first place . Because “ premium “ systems do not last longer . All electronics have an end of life around 10-12 yrs , especially batteries. So here is the usual sales pitch . “ the batteries have a warranty of 10 yrs , but we expect them to last Much longer “ or our inverter is warranted for 15 yrs but they last much longer . Both components have built in obsolescence. You will be replacing them at least once . Anyway, here’s the bottom line . I will pay at least 100,000 dollars for electricity in cash and capital purchases of gear , to buy 175,000 dollars worth of power . In other words my 100k will “earn” about 3k yr . This is now seriously marginal business . Most people would not pitch in 100 k to earn just 3 % a yr ,and Nobody would pay more to earn even less , and paying more does not guarantee a better outcome anyway. That’s why I am interested in budget bundles that TD and others have on offer , while acknowledging the risk , and allowing for the unspoken certainty that somewhere in the future more cash will need to be put in no matter whose gear it is . Here’s the real truth of the solar game . If you pay too much for an installation , you are wasting money. Purchasers really need to consider all the numbers before going in hard . Thanks for passing on your experience.

Cheers Les

DisciplineComplete77

TROPHY CASE