Everingham's Solar Journey

It just made sense for us to go solar. With both of us at home we could use the power when it was generated.

Our energy habits have changed totally. We mainly use power when the sun is shining — that also includes charging the car.

We like the savings and we also feel good that we have reduced our carbon emissions and have encouraged others to go on this solar journey as well.

The solar system

Total cost: $13,075

4.675 kW — 11 × 415 W panels with micro inverters, plus a Solar Catch for hot water. Grid tied, no battery.

Yearly electricity bills

Before solar (1 Jul 2022 – 30 Jun 2023): $1,959.59

8 panels (1 Jul 2023 – 30 Jun 2024): $1,455.01

11 panels (1 Jul 2024 – 30 Jun 2025): $448, plus a $300 credit from Meridian for a plan change

Yearly fuel bills: $3,000 with two petrol cars, now $1,000 with one petrol car and one EV.

Yearly savings: $3,511

Lessons

Really check your provider's solar buy-back rate.

Get as many panels as you can in the first instance — we bought another three a year later.

— Wendy Everingham