Feedback Session with Smart Energy Tech

[tobiasstrebitzer]

Ideas for Improvement

• We should explain that the calculator was built for Indonesia. Other regions have different regulations, prices and cost structure, hence the calculator might not be applicable outside Indonesia.
• We should state an assumption of panel capacity (how much capacity per panel can be expected)
• Better explain and elaborate on PLN charge (based on connection size)
• Introduce help buttons (tooltips, overlays) to show contextual information for specific areas of the calculator
• Provide additional resources for education (Energy Tech recommended to link to their Solar Panel Beginner Guide [2])

Learnings

• Typical (or, recommended) Solar Panel size is around 2.05 m2 (Energy Tech explained that this size is managable in logistics and installation, typical output 450W peak)
• Due to Indonesian regulations, imported panels require certification, but there's no market yet in indonesia to incentivise production.
• A solar panel installation in Indonesia is only possible on a post-paid plan (not pre-paid / pulsa)
• The cost of upgrading from pulsa to post-paid can vary. Energy Tech mentionen an example of 3.5M for a 5.500 connection size.
• Indonesian grid was upgraded 2018, allowing over-production to be fed into the grid & credited to PLN account / balance
• The amount of surplus that can be fed into the grid might change based on regulations. Marc believes this won't be an issue over the next 5-10 years.
• Inverter needs to be replaced after ~10 years (however durability might increase over generations)
• Globally 5% increase in energy price year over year
• Ideal buyers are mid-high income range citizens, expats, roughly 35+ y.o. (investment size needs to be taken into consideration)

Typical Misconceptions

• Most people believe that solar panels store energy
  • While it is possible to add batteries in an installation, this is usually not necessary / beneficial. Instead, surplus energy can be fed into the grid
• Most people believe that a solar panel installation requires a battery
  • Requirement for Batteries depend on location and reliability of the grid. It proves useful in remote areas like Lombok
• Most people believe that a solar installation provides power during Blackouts
  • Without additional batteries (most common scenario), there won't be power during a black-out of the grid.
  • As the inverter is 'coupled' with the grid, energy production will cease in case the grid is not available
  • Adding batteries to the installation would mitidate this

References

1. Energy Sage Solar Quote (US): https://www.energysage.com/
2. Energy Tech Solar Guide: https://www.smartenergy.tech/solar-panel-bali-guide
3. Energy Tech Solar Panel Landing: https://www.smartenergy.tech/solar-panel-indonesia