Tim, Cromer
Several phases from 2013 to 2023
What was installed?
Phase 1 in 2013 – 18 x 265 Watt Bosch panels and an SMA Sunnyboy inverter. The best performance and quality available at the time.
Phase 2 in 2019 – 14 x 330 Watt Seraphim panels on my house and 14 x 330 Watt Seraphim panels on my garage roof, with 2 x Sungrow inverters. Midrange quality and good performance.
Phase 3 in 2020 – 12 x 355 Watt LG Neon panels and 12 Enphase micro inverters. The best performance and quality available at the time.
2 x Tesla Powerwall home batteries, 1 x Sanden Heat Pump Hot Water System and 1 Electrolux 60cm Induction cooktop for secondary residence.
Phase 4 in 2022 – Replaced gas cooktop with 80cm Siemens induction cooktop, replaced gas heater with Fujitsu reverse cycle air conditioners (total of 5 across both house & granny flat), replaced gas hot water heater with another Sanden Heat Pump Hot Water System. Disconnected from gas mains.
Phase 5 in 2023 – Added a third Tesla Powerwall and a Madimack Heat Pump for the swimming pool.
Selection Process
I used SolarQuotes and sourced 5 quotes in 2013, before settling on Bosch panels and SMA inverter.
I acquired a plug-in hybrid electric car in 2015 and noticed that I was often using more power than I was generating, so decided to “max out” the house and garage roof in 2019. I selected Smart Energy Answers to provide the Seraphim panels and Sungrow inverters.
I took advantage of a “special” on Tesla Powerwalls before the February 2020 price rise – and added a third in 2023 as they were “on special”.
I spent a great deal of effort educating myself about heat pumps before selecting the Sanden Heat Pump Hot Water System.
Reason for Selection
Fossil fuels are killing our world. Renewable energy is our future and rooftop solar is the cheapest electricity ever generated. I am saving money, as well as helping on our journey to a 100% renewable energy grid. I also wanted to get off gas because of the cost – financial, environmental, and cost to my family’s health.
I wanted the best quality product and to protect from future extreme weather-driven blackouts.
Outcome
Through additions and upgrades, I succeeded in producing more energy than I consume – even on most winter days. My solar panels have more than paid for themselves.
I no longer suffer inconvenience from power failures after adding Tesla Powerwalls. I have enjoyed uninterrupted power ever since.
It is difficult to put $ value on not being affected by blackouts, but I estimated a 7-8 year payback period for the batteries, based on my original objective of minimal grid interaction. However, now I use the Amber platform to access the wholesale market – where I sell stored energy at peak market rates. I now enjoy credit balances each month on my energy bill. This has changed the value equation for batteries, which I now estimate pay for themselves in as little as 5 years.
I have got rid of petrol powered garden tools and have electric tools, lawn and garden equipment. I am now an energy producer, so my energy retailer pays me each month. I estimate my annual savings at around $4,500.
The last step for me is to move from my PHEV to a full battery electric car, which I am planning to do in the next couple of years.
What I would do differently
Sign up for Amber wholesale plan on day 1. Not split my Powerwalls across primary & secondary residences to get the benefit of a consolidated 40.5 kWh of storage.
If installing today I would choose 450 Watt panels and microinverters.
