Michael and Leeza
Christchurch · 4 people, 220 m² · Battery, EV, EV charger, Heat pump, Hot water heat pump, Induction cooking, Solar
We love that these choices drastically improve our household cash flow.
$5,160 saved per year
What's in your electric home?
The first thing we did once we purchased our house was install 18 solar panels (a 7.5kW system) and a wall charger, as we have two EVs. The house already had a ducted heat pump system and an induction stove. After a bit of research, we replaced the instantaneous gas hot water with a hot water heat pump system.
When did you start, and why?
We moved back to NZ from Melbourne and the first big purchases when we arrived were cars. It made sense to go electric for the lower running costs and environmental impact. I work in sustainability, so we actively look for any chance to make more impact-conscious choices.
How much have you saved?
We charge the EVs off solar during the day or overnight on off-peak rates, costing about $4 per full charge and saving us thousands every year. With charging costing so little, road user charges have actually become our biggest running expense. Since installing solar, we don't pay an electricity bill outside the winter months; in summer, we run up a credit thanks to the feed-in tariffs. Additionally, installing a hot water heat pump has lowered our annual cost of hot water from $1,000 to around $100.
What do you love most about it?
We love that these choices drastically improve our household cash flow, which is particularly important while we have two young kids. We also love that it reduces our environmental impact as a family and presents as a learning opportunity to teach our kids about solar energy production and environmental awareness.
How has it changed your behaviour?
We schedule our large energy uses (typically using built in timers) to ensure we maximise the use of our solar generation.
Any advice?
Research the various options available using online resources and get quotes from range of installers. Don't hesitate to reach out to others who have recently been through the journey, as most are happy to share their experience.
Solar: 7.5 kW, 18 panels
Battery: Not yet
Vehicles: 2x EVs