Nigel installing solar, saving money and the environment

Nigel – retired ICT worker

Seven years ago, as retirement approached, my wife and I downsized in Melbourne. We purchased an old house in Coburg North, demolished it, and rebuilt an all-electric home. Although the volume builder emphasized environmental values, we took matters into our own hands including Orientation, Double Glazing, Insulation, Heat Pump, Induction Cooktop and no gas to eliminate the need for a second connection fee.

When it came to solar power, we declined the builder’s offer and decided to install our own system 18 months later. Here are the details:

  • Solar System: We opted for an 8 kW system of mid-range quality, with a 25-year cell warranty and a 10-year inverter warranty.
  • Installer: We found our installer through SolarQuotes.com.au. They came from across town, and the process was straightforward, mostly conducted online. Installation took two months, but there were some messy moments during the final stages.
  • Cost Comparison:
    • Previous year’s electricity cost: $1,555
    • First year with solar: $424
    • Savings: $1,151
  • Payback period for the $5,400 installation: 4.73 years

Our solar system has been running perfectly for three years. While our motivation was environmental, the significant savings were an added bonus.
Recently, we replicated the process for our retirement house in Marengo. This installation was larger because we plan to power an electric vehicle using free sunlight. Although it took a bit longer due to high solar demand, we’re satisfied with the outcome.
The installer for our Marengo home was part of the Electrify Homes program run by Geelong Sustainability. Despite a few annoyances, the setup was similar to Coburg, albeit with higher costs due to the increased size and fewer rebates (Victoria allows only one rebate per customer). Our quarterly bill is now on track for a $40 credit.
My recommendation? Go as big as your budget allows. While setting up solar can be a bit of a nuisance, the long-term benefits make it well worth the effort. It has even changed our behavior—we now use the clothes dryer and dehydrator when the sun is shining.