With both our solar arrays connected, it was only a
matter of time before we started to compare the two. Over the last few weeks,
we’ve had some beautiful sunny days (in amongst the throwback to winter *sigh*),
so we’ve started noting down what each array was doing.
We have 1kw array of flat panels on our roof.
And a 1kw solar tracker.
Our block is oriented east to west (not the best), so
our flat panels receive most of their sun in the afternoon from the west. Our
solar tracker obviously tracks the sun from whenever the sun first hits the
panels (8.45am) until sundown.
On our best day last week, our flat panels generated 4.69
kwh. BUT our solar tracker generated 8kwh. I was very chuffed to say the least.
First of all, because we generated nearly 13kwh that day and we only use 6kwh on our
worst days. I’m not that much into feeding back into the grid (though Mr B is).
In my mind, as long as we make more than we use, I’m happy :-)
But secondly, because the solar tracker was so much
more effective than the flat panels. And now this is where I must divulge that Mr
B has been working in solar & sustainability measures for the last 8 years.
He was so enamoured by different solar farms that he saw in Germany and Spain
about 4 years ago, that he came to Australia with the dream of building solar
trackers.
And so it began, working in our garage and in our
study. He has mainly worked rurally in Victoria getting his dream up off the
ground. Working with farmers, vineyards and small city councils. The biggest solar tracker he built has been for Wangaratta City Council.
So we have always wanted one in our own yard but with
all our housing issues over the last few years, it just hasn’t been possible.
But now we have one in all its glory (yes I’m biased LOL) and I am so proud of
my dear hubby that it lives up to all its promise.
