Oliver & Hildegard
Bream Bay, Northland · 2 people, 152 m² · Battery, EV, Solar
There will never be a better time for all of us to make the switch to electric than now.
$1,320 saved per year
When did you start, and why?
Initially, in 2014 when our home was built, the financial numbers for solar didn't quite add up, and battery technology was too expensive and limited. By 2017, solar panel manufacturers were providing 25-year warranties and battery technology had progressed rapidly, making the investment viable. We also factored in future petrol savings with our planned purchase of an electric car.
How much have you saved?
We haven't paid a power bill since September 2017, thanks to solar feed-in credits and distribution charge discounts. We have paid a bit more than $114 in total for "fuel electricity" at ChargeNet rapid charger stations since October 2017, after driving more than 41,000 km. Rising electricity and petrol prices, combined with falling deposit interest rates, have meant it's one of our best investments. Time-of-use electricity pricing has further increased savings.
What do you love most about it?
In addition to the financials, the feel-good factor by doing the right thing, producing energy from a renewable resource, reducing emissions, contributing to fighting climate change, keeping profits from going overseas and supporting Aotearoa's energy independence. Plus the system increased the value of our house. And home-made bread just tastes so much better when baked with power from 100% New Zealand sunshine.
Any advice?
Since 2017, technology has continued to progress rapidly, and prices have come down even more. Now, we would be able to get a solar system twice the size and capacity and an electric car with twice the range for the same amount we invested back then. There will never be a better time for all of us to make the switch to electric than now.
Solar: 3.6 kW, 16 panels
Battery: 8 kWh
Vehicles: 1x EV, 2x electric scooters