Paul saves $7,200 a year with his 25.5kW Instyle Solar system (Case study)
Paul Lim from Sydney is one of the recent success stories from Instyle Solar. His long-life wish to have an eco-friendly home came true through the 25.5kW Instyle Solar system that now supplies his entire household with energy.
In his appreciation video, he says, “if you can afford your power bill, you can afford solar.”
Before making up his mind, Paul had spent about one and a half years looking into various options. One of the best things about solar system installations is that they can be configured to address your specific needs. A three-bedroom house uses a different system from an eight-bedroom mansion.
Paul engaged four to five companies with his specific demands on how he wanted things to look in his house. He concluded on hearing of Instyle Solar’s options, and we met all his needs. Now, Paul and his family enjoy a steady energy supply while saving $7,200 yearly.
If you’re in a similar position as Paul, let’s explore how you too can save money on the following topics:
- How much can you save when using solar energy?
- Red flags when comparing solar providers
How much can you save when using solar energy?
Solar energy can significantly cut your property’s operating costs, especially in sunny Australia. Most panels have a 25-year warranty and can save you up to $50,000 with an investment payback time of four years.
Although a $50 or $100 electricity charge may not seem like much when paid monthly, those expenses mount up quickly over ten, twenty, or even thirty years. If you spend $100 per month on electricity now, you’ll pay more than $60,000 over the following thirty years.
Below are aspects to consider when evaluating how much money you can save by using solar energy in your home.
Your average power consumption
On average, a 5kW system in Australia generates between 18kW/h and 25kW/h of solar electricity per day, depending on your region. A good quality 5kW system generating an average of 22 units per day can save you up to $350 per electricity bill cycle.
By reading the back page of your most recent power statement, you may simply discover how much electricity you consume. The reading will display the quantity of energy you use in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The first step in selecting which solar system is best for your home is to identify your preferences.
Larger families or homes with higher energy consumption typically require solar energy systems in the 5kW range or greater.
Size of the solar system you choose
Larger solar energy systems like a 5kW unit produce substantially more power than smaller systems, such as a 2kW one. A 2kW system generates nearly half of the electricity needed in an average home, saving you up to $145 per bill cycle.
How much you save is directly proportional to the size of the solar energy system you install. It is critical to select a system large enough to cover your power demand, shorten your payback period, and maximise your return on investment.
On the other hand, installing a too large system results in excess power being transferred back into the grid. You’ll be selling power back to your energy provider for far less than the cost of your electricity rates now that feed-in tariffs are reduced.
The key to saving is to choose a solution that fits your home’s size and consumption habits.
Where you reside
Your geographic location will determine how much electricity your solar energy system produces and, as a result, how much money you can save. With an average consumption of 25kW per day, a 5kW solar system in Brisbane will save $200 more annually than another one in Sydney.
Solar energy systems built in Queensland, for example, will create more solar electricity than a unit put in Melbourne.
Australia receives the most amount of solar radiation per square meter of any continent on the planet. Therefore, we have a lot of opportunities to harness the sun’s power.
In other words, in an area with more solar radiation, a 2kW system may be sufficient, however in another location with less solar radiation, you will require a 3kW unit to obtain the same results.
The Feed-in Tariff rate
Most solar users who sign an agreement with their energy provider for energy sent back into the grid are offered a fee ranging from 8c/kWh to 10c/kWh. It’s essential to reach out to your electricity company to learn about the available tariff rates, and if possible, look around for the best deals.
Since feed-in tariffs may differ from state to state, always double-check your numbers before estimating your savings.
Red flags when comparing solar providers
You’ll need high-quality products and a competent installation company to get the best results when going solar. However, even the best solar panels may malfunction if installed wrongly, and there is a greater risk of electrical failures and fire.
Only solar panels and inverters recognised by the Clean Energy Council are eligible for government incentives, thus, the best option. There are a lot of installers on the market, and going with the cheapest one can be a mistake.
When comparing solar companies, remember the following red flags.
Poor track record
Ideally, you should seek out a seasoned solar firm with a track record of successful installations. Visit the Clean Energy Council (CEC) website to see if your provider is a CEC Approved Solar Retailer and run a brief background check.
Even if a company does not have a website, it can no longer hide its online reputation in the digital age. This information can help you avoid solar installers with a lousy track record.
Low-quality products and inexperienced installers
Because Australia has become one of the world’s leading solar power countries, many companies and installers are fighting for your business. You may check if your provider is an accredited solar retailer using the Clean Energy Council website.
If you can’t discover the solar product brands or the name of the specific installer in the CEC database, be cautious. You may get low-quality materials, a sloppy installation, or both.
Paul Lim spent years researching the best certified solar provider. He ended up choosing Instyle Solar for its eligibility across various governing and regulatory bodies.
Receiving quotes via phone or email
A professional inspection of your home is required to construct a solar power system properly. Roof type, pitch angle, structural problems, and the existence of shadows are all aspects that solar designers must consider.
A price obtained over the phone or via email without a site visit is a clear red flag, as the provider has no method of assessing your site conditions. Satellite pictures obtained through programs like Google Maps are a good starting point but insufficient for a professional solar design.
Paul Lim received a home visit from one of our professionals to assess his home requirements and offer the most appropriate options. A company that fails to visit your home will probably install a system that provides inadequate or too much energy.
Reducing your household’s carbon footprint with solar
Solar energy is among the few pure kinds of power available. It is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to make your home more efficient and sustainable. Solar panels create electricity without any water, emit no dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere, and their energy source is abundant and free.
When you use solar energy instead of the grid, it minimizes the requirement for the production of any carbon-emitting energy on your behalf for the grid. Like Paul Lim, you may help lower your household’s carbon footprint and contribute to the Australian Renewable Energy Target by installing even a tiny system on your home.
Conclusion
Paul Lim is among the thousands of homeowners who have chosen to install and rely on solar panels for the energy they consume. You, too, can start saving a significant amount of money while making your home eco-friendly by reaching out to us at Instyle Solar.
Next Steps…
Interested in solar? By clicking below you can use our smart solar calculator to find out just how much you could save with solar, what rebate you are eligible for, and the impact you will have on the environment.
Don’t wait until next quarter’s bloated bill, and get started today!
Click here to calculate your solar savings!
Join over 20,000 homeowners who have made the switch with Instyle Solar, or the 1000+ positive reviewers who have been more than happy with their solar install.
Otherwise, you can always contact us on 1300 133 556, or email if you prefer at sales@instylesolar.com.au.
