Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

With the recent hype going on for the carbon tax, I think people should be careful with companies that are pushing their deals using this excuse. Might become something similar to the insulation rebate issue where cowboys emerge and try to make quick bucks.

Mine was through Unltd Solar.

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Yeah, the dodgey dealers are primed to come out in force for sure. Stay alert and deal with local known elec guys

Before I had solar panels installed (2kW), I tried to find out whether I would be better off with a flat tariff or a variable (Smartpower) tariff.
The method I used was to use electricity normally and read the electricity meter four times every day: at 7AM, 11AM, 5PM and 9PM. These times correspond to the changeover for the different rates - peak, shoulder, off-peak and overnight. I did this for four consecutive days.
These readings then let me see when I was using electricity. I entered the readings into a spreadsheet so I could work out what I would be paying (and receiving) for both the flat and Smartpower rates. This was before the feed-in tariff came in in WA, so I only got paid for my solar electricity at the rate I paid for it minus the GST.
Now the feed-in tariff of 47c/kWh means I am getting a better deal.
I went with Smartpower, because at the time it meant I would get more for my excess electricity. The overnight rate is much cheaper, so it makes sense to try and use equipment then if possible. For example, if I need to turn on my solar HWS electric booster, I do it between 6 and 7AM. This is only a quarter of the cost if I turned it on between 7 and 8AM!
My advice to save energy is to reduce the number of fridges/freezers, especially if they are old and inefficient. It's amazing how many people keep an old fridge to store beer in. It works out to be expensive beer!
My house uses 7kWh/day, before I put in an AP. The pump uses 15W/h (flood and drain). Therefore in 67 hours it uses 1kWh. This won't break the bank!