Simon & Nicky
Carterton, Wairarapa · 3 people, 2 dwellings · Battery, EV, Heat pump, Induction cooking, Solar
It has been an excellent financial investment.
$4,008 saved per year
What's in your electric home?
In the house we have electric hot water, induction hobs, electric oven, a heat pump in the lounge as well as a log burner, dishwasher, washing machine but no clothes drier. We also have a hybrid vehicle and an EV. In the secondary dwelling we have a heat pump and stove. But the hot water is provided by gas.
When did you start, and why?
We installed the solar and battery system July 2024 because of high winter power bills for the two dwellings. The battery is for reliability and resilience. We had several power outages prior to the installation. With a power cut, we lose our water supply as well.
How much have you saved?
Our power was costing 37c/kWh and has reduced to 5c/kWh. Note this includes any credit we receive from excess power sent back to the grid. Estimated payback is 7 years.
What do you love most about it?
It has been an excellent financial investment and with 3 grid failures since installation, uninterrupted power is invaluable.
How has it changed your behaviour?
We shopped around for the best energy rates for time of use. By putting a timer on our hot water cylinder, we heat our water when the sun shines or at night when the price is low. The same applies to charging our EV.
Any advice?
Understand your energy use. Do an energy audit and see if solar is right for you. Review your energy supplier and move use to cheaper times where possible.
Solar: 10 kW, 24 panels
Battery: 13.5 kWh
Vehicles: 1 EV, 1 Hybrid