Luisa & Steve
Napier, Hawke's Bay · 2 people, 120 m² · Battery, EV, Heat pump, Solar
Two large household bills have been removed.
$3,000 saved per year
What's in your electric home?
We're electric for hot water, home heating (heat pump) and our cars. Those are the big three which save us the most but we've also gone electric with the lawnmower, so no need for trips to collect petrol anymore!
When did you start, and why?
We started with solar on the roof in 2015, wanting to make the most of the Hawke's Bay sunshine. Since then, we've added more solar panels and swapped one then both cars to electric. The latest addition was a battery last year, we think we're well insulated against any future electricity price rises now.
How much have you saved?
The solar has saved us about $12,000 over the last 10 years and the electric vehicles are saving us about $1,800 per year since road user charges began.
What do you love most about it?
Two large household bills have been removed, instead we look forward to credits on our electricity account most months. No trips to the petrol station is a time saver too.
How has it changed your behaviour?
We find we're more inclined to go away on road trips, knowing the cost of travel is low. And no one thinks twice about having a hot bath!
Any advice?
Don't delay, the sooner you can get electrifying the longer you'll reap the benefits and savings!
Solar: 7.7 kW, 25 panels
Battery: 1 kWh
Vehicles: 2x EV