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A new report shows South Australian homeowners who also invest in a battery are leading the nation for solar savings – pocketing more than $3000 each year.
According to iSelect’s Solar Payback Report higher range Adelaide households – those using 10kw per day stand to save $3108 each year during their payback period – the highest in the nation.
The next closest was Darwin, where high-use households stood to save $2701 each year during the paypack period.
Adelaide was the winner again when it came to mid-range usage – with households using about 7kw a day saving $2753 a year during payback ahead of the second placed Darwin at $2474.
For low-level use – those using 4kw a day – Darwin households were the biggest savers, pocketing $2091 a year during payback, $82 more than the second placed Adelaide.
Hobart households look to save the least in all three categories.
There are big savings to be had, especially for those with a battery.
Post payback, High-range users in Adelaide stand to save $3019 a year, mid-range users $2650 and low-range users $2001.
The pattern was similar for Adelaide solar systems not connected to a battery.
Low range users save $945, mid-range users $1503 and high-range users $2058 during the payback period.
These numbers shift to $941, $1500 and $2052 after payback, with Adelaide again tracking just behind the savings seen in Darwin.
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Julia Paszka, General Manager said households could easily maximise their savings through solar.
“Solar panels can be a great way to cut your power bills, but to really maximise the benefits, it’s important to use as much of your solar energy as possible during the day,” she said.
“Any excess power you don’t use will usually be sent back to the grid, but the rate you’ve paid for this ‘feed-in’ is typically much lower than what you pay for electricity from the grid.
“Other ways to make the most of your solar include timing energy-heavy activities, like running your washing machine, dishwasher, or charging your EV during daylight hours.
“Even small adjustments, like using smart plugs or timers, can help you maximise self-consumption and speed up your savings.”
According to the data, Adelaide households will take 5 years and 10 months to pay back a typical unit through 4kw a day of use – the second fastest in the nation in this usage class.
Mid-range users will take three years and nine months to pay it back (again, the second fastest in this usage class) while high-range users will have paid it back in 2 years and nine months – the fastest in this usage class.
Adelaide homeowners with solar can save big.
Ms Paszka said payback periods varied significantly depending on where people lived, the size of their system, and how much energy their household uses.
“This shows how important it is to consider your household’s unique situation when deciding on solar,” she said.
“And of course, not every household can afford solar panels or has the right space to install them.
“But that doesn’t mean you can’t save on energy or make greener choices.
“Shopping around for a better energy plan, exploring renewable energy options from your retailer, and taking steps to improve energy efficiency at home – like upgrading appliances, reducing wastage, or using smart devices to optimise electricity use – can all help you cut costs and lower your carbon footprint.”
Aussie Solar Batteries Group founder and CEO Steven Yu said batteries were the missing link in Australia’s clean energy transition, however, the wrong battery or the wrong set up is like throwing money in the bin.
Batteries are great, but only if you have the right one.
He said the three mistakes buyers should avoid when investing in a household solar battery was not choosing lithium iron phosphate, buying a battery that’s too small, and letting the battery constantly run low.
“Installing the right battery, with the right capacity and chemistry, isn’t optional anymore, it’s critical,” Mr Yu said.
“Australians are plugging in electric cars, running bigger homes and trying to cut bills all at once.
“The wrong battery choice doesn’t just fail to solve the problem, it makes it worse.
“However, get it right and you’ll save thousands, slash your bills and future-proof your home for decades.”
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