Tony Stephens
Nelson · 2 people, 120 m² · Battery, EV, Heat pump, Solar
We love that the energy equation is now mostly in our hands, rather than controlled by an electric utility.
$3,850 saved per year
What's in your electric home?
All of our appliances are electric, including hot water. Additionally, we just had two heat pumps installed!
When did you start, and why?
In February 2023, we initially installed a 14 panel photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system. More recently, we were fortunate enough to find a great EV that was still under warranty, so we had three more panels installed. This brought us up to the current 7kW system.
How much have you saved?
Before we installed the solar and battery we were paying roughly $2,500 a year. Now the energy we export from our system back to the grid actually earns us about $250 a year. In addition we are saving approximately $100 a month on petrol for the vehicle. After eliminating our utility and petrol bills, we expect to fully pay off our system in less than seven years.
What do you love most about it?
We love that the energy equation is now mostly in our hands, rather than controlled by an electric utility. Having said that, we do appreciate being grid connected. Not just for the ten months when we are able to export energy, but also for the cooler winter months when we can import for free, using credit we accumulated during the warmer months.
How has it changed your behaviour?
The short answer is: Not at all. The car is charged and ready to go every morning. For the few long trips we have taken, we have never had to stop longer than a typical lunch stop.
Any advice?
If you can afford it, get panels and the battery. If not, make sure the installer builds a configuration with a battery in mind.
Solar: 7 kW, 17 panels
Battery: 13.5 kWh
Vehicles: 1x EV, 2 e-Bikes