Reducing the monthly energy bill by 105% with solar: Case Study

As accredited solar installers and designers, we get a lot of questions about how much solar can save you on energy bills. Suppose you spend hundreds of dollars on electricity bills per quarter for your home and mostly use power during the day. In that case, solar is worth the upfront investment, as it will pay for itself over time (the expected return on investment timeframe is usually between 3-5 years).

How much you can save will depend on several factors, with the size of your solar system and your energy consumption levels being the key.

As part of the quote process, our solar team will evaluate your energy consumption through your most recent energy bills and assess your roof in person before providing you with a detailed proposal. This includes things such as expected savings on your electricity bill over 20 years and a monthly electricity bill comparison.

To give you an example, we are sharing a case study of our recent solar installation and the client’s projected savings as outlined in their solar proposal.

Case Study: 10.53kW Solar System Installation

About the property

• Type of property: Residential home with swimming pool

• Location: North Brisbane

• Date of installation: November 2022

• Average bill per quarter: $500

• Average consumption: 2,300 kWh per quarter or 26 kWh per day

System Size

• System size: 10.53 kW 

• Estimated annual production: 17,463 kWh 

• Solar panel: 27 × 390W Hyundai Green Energy UF Series 

• Inverter: 1 × Sungrow SG8K-D, 8000W 

• Daily electricity production: Averaging 30-61 kWh daily, depending on the month. E.g. 30 kWh per day in June, 61 kWh per day in January and December.

Installation costs

• $13,505 incl. GST (includes solar system, network pre-approval, installation and labour)

• Government rebate: $4,550 (130 STCs x $35)

• Total cost to client: $8,955 inc. GST

Electricity costs

• Average monthly bill

  • Before solar: $177.11

  • With solar: $8.20 CR ↓105% (first year average) 

• Average annual bill

• Before solar: $2,125.34

• With solar: $98.46 CR ↓105% (estimated annual savings $2,094.69) 

Financial Analysis

The expected electricity bill savings over 20 years are provided below based on the system size.

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As certified Master Electricians and accredited solar specialists and designers, Ehlerth Electrical is trusted to provide expert service in solar repairs, replacements and installations. If you are interested in installing solar for your property, please contact our team today!

5 steps to installing a solar system on your property

With an increasing focus on renewable energy, rising energy prices and falling solar panel costs, it’s never been a better time to get solar installed. If you’re not sure how to get started, the solar installation process might be easier than you think! As accredited solar installers and designers, we’ve detailed the process that we take our customers through in the following 5 steps: 

1 Determine suitability

There are two ways to determine whether your property is suitable for solar. Firstly, look at your energy usage and when you use the most electricity. If you are mostly using power during the day and are currently spending hundreds of dollars on electricity bills per quarter, solar is worth the upfront investment, as it will pay for itself over time (the expected return on investment timeframe is usually between 3-5 years). Secondly, the roof of your property needs to be examined to determine whether it is appropriate to hold solar panels - things like orientation, slope or angle, and type of roof will impact whether solar is an option. If you’re unsure about any of the above, your solar installer can determine this as part of their quote process.

2 Get a quote from an accredited solar installer

The Federal Government has a solar rebate on offer called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, but to access this rebate, you must go through an installer with a Clean Energy Council Accreditation. This accreditation recognises individuals who have undertaken the necessary training to design and install solar, batteries and other renewable energy systems that are safe, reliable and meet customer expectations.

For Ehlerth Electrical customers, all of the required Government rebate paperwork and forms are completed by our solar team, and the rebates are accounted for in the initial quote. 

As part of the quote process, our solar team will assess your energy consumption through your most recent energy bills and assess your roof in person to ensure the solar installation is suitable for your property and that it is tailored specifically for your needs.

The solar proposal will be sent to you, which includes the costs for the solar system and inverter, network pre-approval, installation and labour, and the rebate. It also outlines the proposed panel layout on your roof, solar system details, daily production per month, expected savings on your electricity bill over a 20-year period, monthly electricity bill comparison, environmental benefits and warranty details.  

3 Sign the proposal/contract and apply for a connection

The proposal mentioned above that we send to our customers is also the contract with terms and conditions that you sign to install your solar. As part of the process, our solar team will also submit the application form to your network provider to get your system connected to the grid. 

If your current meter does not support solar, we will instruct your network provider to replace it with a new bi-directional one. Some network providers will do this free of charge. This meter will be compatible with your solar panels and allow the excess electricity you generate to go back into the electrical grid, as well as use your own generation within your home. You will not receive benefits until this meter exchange has been completed. 

4 Install your solar system and connect it to the grid

Once the proposal/contract is signed, the solar installer will book a suitable date to do the installation. Depending on the size of the system, most installations can be completed in a day. Once your solar is installed, and compliant metering is in place, check for the ‘Queensland Solar Scheme’ details on your electricity bill.

5 Maintain your system 

Your solar installer should provide you with a maintenance schedule or user manual to take care of your solar system. Our solar team provides a detailed user manual document that includes contact information, precautions and warnings, emergency procedures, system description, system performance, connection diagram, maintenance information, commissioning report and warranty documentation. 

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As certified Master Electricians and accredited solar specialists and designers, Ehlerth Electrical is trusted to provide expert service in solar repairs, replacements and installations. If you are interested in installing solar for your property, please reach out to our team today! 

What to do if your property has had electrical damage

With above-average rainfall predicted for spring and summer thanks to La Niña, storms and floods could affect our homes no matter how prepared we are.

We share tips on what to do after your home has had electrical damage due to severe weather.

Connection damage

Your property or connecting line may have been damaged during a storm or flood. In this case, you will need a licensed electrician to undertake verification tests on your switchboard, wiring, equipment, and appliances to ensure the electrical circuits are still working and that your home is electrically safe before reconnection. Once the work is done, they can issue you a ‘certificate of test’, which can help you reconnect your service with the local electricity distribution entity.

Damaged electrical equipment and appliances

Do not touch or use any electrical equipment, including items plugged into power, that have been damaged by water or submerged in flood water as they pose a high risk of electrocution. Stay away and don’t touch switchboards if they are damaged by water, fire or if lightning is close.

They must be checked and tested by a licensed electrical contractor before being used again. Only some appliances can be reused after a flood, while others will need to be replaced.

Fallen power lines

Report any fallen, low or damaged powerlines to the emergency services or your local electricity distribution entity and stay away from them; treat them all as live. Be mindful when cleaning up fallen branches and debris around the property, as they could be hiding fallen or submerged powerlines.

Power surges

Power surges sometimes occur during wild weather due to lightning strikes or when the power is restored after an outage or blackout. As a result, the appliances and electrical systems in the home can receive a large power surge and fail to work. Surge protectors or surge suppressors can protect your sensitive appliances from voltage spikes. We recommend getting a high-quality surge protector and replacing it every two years.

Damaged solar system

In case of wild weather or an emergency, you might need to shut down your solar system - follow the shutdown procedures on the inverter or the main switchboard. Don’t turn off the system if any of its components are wet or damaged or if internal wires are exposed. If your system has been damaged, contact a licensed electrical contractor or installer for advice before turning it on. Solar PV systems will continue producing electricity when exposed to light even if the network supply is turned off or the system has been shut down. Don’t touch them or any conductive material that exposed parts of the system are touching, as they may also be live.

Electrical insurance claim reports

Your home and contents insurance policy may cover your property or appliances' electrical-related damage due to unforeseen external events and severe weather. The success of electrical insurance claims depends on your insurance cover and the cause of the electrical damage. Insurance companies require a licensed electrician to provide an electrical insurance damage report outlining the cause and extent of the damage and a pricing estimate of materials and work that needs to be undertaken to repair the damage.

Source: https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/ 

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Contact our team if you believe your home has had electrical damage - never attempt to do your own electrical work - it's illegal and dangerous. In case of emergencies, we are contactable and able to assist 24/7 to keep you and your home electrically safe and reconnected again. We can also help with electrical insurance claim reports and carry out any electrical repair work associated with insurance claims.

8 Skills That Make a Great Electrician

Whether you are hiring an electrician or deciding on a career in the electrical trade, it is important to understand the essential skills they require to get the best outcome.

They involve a combination of hard skills like technical ability and knowledge gained through on-the-job training, education and certifications, and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and people skills acquired through work or life experience.

As a guide, we have listed some of the skills that we believe make a great electrician.

1. Technical ability

Electricians must undertake the technical requirements of an electrical project, which require strong math, physics, and technical problem-solving abilities. These are hard skills related to electrical installations, repairs and maintenance tasks, usually gained through electrical training and apprenticeships. 

2. Regulatory understanding

Being a licensed trade, electricians must know relevant standards for performing electrical work, such as the National Electric Code and local electric codes, to conduct tasks safely and effectively. 

3. Health and safety knowledge 

The electrical trade is exposed to health and safety risks daily. So electricians must know relevant health and safety regulations, standards and procedures to complete their job safely and correctly. And they need to keep up to date with these obligations to protect themselves, their colleagues, customers and the community.

4. Basic math 

Math knowledge is essential to electrical work and daily tasks such as taking measurements and calculating power or current ratings. Qualified electricians can efficiently perform functions with basic algebra learned at school.

5. Ability to work in a team and independently

Electricians may conduct some work independently or in a team, depending on the size of the job and project. The ability to collaborate with colleagues or other trades, follow and provide instructions, make recommendations, and effective communication are essential to get the job done safely and effectively.

6. Problem-solving

A significant part of the electrician’s job involves responding to electrical issues, diagnosing them and providing solutions. Problem-solving skills are critical to assessing various situations and using technical knowledge and critical thinking to determine solutions.

7. Clear communication

Verbal and written communication skills are just as necessary as technical skills, as electricians are responsible for effectively communicating with people who often have no technical knowledge of electrical systems. This involves listening to customers or suppliers to understand their needs and conveying information in a way they will understand. 

8. Good people skills

Electricians deal with various people daily, from colleagues to customers to subcontractors and suppliers, so good interpersonal skills are vital to the role. Having patience, friendliness and empathy all contribute to great customer service.

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Contact our team today if you would like to work with a reliable and trusted electrician or are interested in becoming part of a team!

Ehlerth Electrical Wins Two Awards at the MEA’s 2022 Excellence Awards

Ehlerth Electrical won two of the 8 nominations at the Master Electricians Australia Excellence Awards on Saturday 6 August, in Brisbane.

The awards were presented for the South Queensland region, where Ehlerth Electrical took out the Master Electrician of the Year Award, and Daniel Canisi won the Electrician (Tradie) of the Year.

“I am proud of my team for being finalists across 6 different categories and winning the two significant awards in our region. It is a testament to the hard work, safety, quality and excellent service we deliver daily,” said Brent Ehlerth, Director and Founder of Ehlerth Electrical.

“It has been our goal to win the Master Electrician of the Year award since becoming the Gold level Master Electrician and getting our ISO certification, so finally winning it in our 5th year of business is such an incredible achievement.

“We continually strive to provide the highest quality workmanship and service, and invest in our team and their learning and development, so it is a tremendous honour to be recognised for it and be celebrated amongst the country's top sparkies and electrical businesses.”

Daniel Canisi, Ehlerth Electrical’s Senior Electrician and Safety Officer, won the Electrician (Tradie) of the Year Award for his outstanding technical skills and commitment to ongoing learning and safety.

The Ehlerth Electrical team had a total of eight finalists across 6 different categories in the South Queensland awards:

1. Master Electrician (Business) of the Year FINALIST and WINNER: Ehlerth Electrical

2. The Electrician (Tradie) of the Year FINALIST and WINNER: Daniel Canisi

3. Women in Contracting Award FINALIST: Rachel Hayes-Weymouth

4. The Apprentice of the Year FINALIST: Josh Anthony

5. The Apprentice of the Year FINALIST: Tom Tornabene

6. The Electrician (Tradie of the Year) Finalist: Jack Raverty

7. Residential Project of the Year FINALIST: Golden Beach

8. Commercial Project of the Year FINALIST: Rivermount College

Ehlerth Electrical office is located at 35/16 Crockford Street, Northgate. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm but they also offer 24/7 service for emergency call-outs.

Contact the team today if you need electrical assistance in any of the following fields domestic, commercial, industrial, solar, air-conditioning, communications, hazardous areas or solar.

6 ways to reduce your electricity bill

The rising electricity prices, amongst other costs of living increases, are putting a lot of Australians under financial pressure.

Australian Energy Regulator released that from July 1, 2022, power bills in South East Queensland are expected to rise by up to $220 a year, or 12.6 per cent. And for the rest of the state, they are expected to increase by 9.2 per cent, or around $119 a year, as per the Queensland Competition Authority’s report.

But your energy consumption is controllable, and there are ways for you to soften the burden of these price increases.

Here are some ways you can save power and money on your electricity bill, including simple steps you can implement immediately.

1. Review your energy plan

When did you last review your energy plan? Now is the time to speak to your provider to determine how much they are increasing their prices and if you are on the right plan. If you’re unhappy with the outcome, shop around and compare providers. There are numerous comparison tools on the market, such as a free government service Energy Made Easy.

2. Use energy-efficient lighting

We highly recommend switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs if you have old incandescent or halogen light bulbs. According to Energy Rating, switching from halogen bulbs to LEDs can save the average household $102 in yearly running costs! Other benefits include a long lifespan, no heat or UV emissions, low voltage operation and improved environmental performance, just to name a few!

3. Check your aircon use

Air-conditioners are big energy suckers, so use them wisely! To save money, we recommend to:

1. Avoid nighttime use - this is an easy way to eliminate 8 hours of your usage time and the money it costs to have it running all night.⁣⁣

2. Close it up - during summer, close your blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight, so your AC unit is not working overtime to cool the room. And in winter, close the doors to rooms you’re not trying to heat.

3. Fill the gaps - apply weather seals to doors, windows, and any other visible cracks to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. ⁣⁣

4. Set the temp to 24° - the ideal temperature for optimal aircon performance. ⁣⁣

5. Service it bi-annually - if you're noticing issues with your aircon, book a service!

4. Choose high-star energy rating appliances

Shopping for your appliances based on their energy rating can be advantageous for reducing your power bill, as they account for roughly 33% of your home's energy consumption! They might cost more but are worth it in the long run.

⁣The Energy Rating Label shows your household appliances' energy performance based on ‘average usage'. It displays how much a model costs to run and how energy-efficient it is compared to similar models. The higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient! You should pay attention to the following high energy consumption appliances:⁣⁣ air-conditioners⁣⁣, washing machines⁣⁣, clothes dryers⁣⁣, dishwashers⁣⁣, televisions, refrigerators, freezers and computer monitors. ⁣⁣

5. Unplug or switch off at the wall

When you’re not using your energy-draining appliances like those mentioned above, especially when going away on holiday, unplug or switch them off at the wall. This will save you more energy and avoid overloading your circuit during peak times. If you find this hard to remember to do daily, then consider automated timers and sensors or a smart power board to stop standby electricity for you.

6. Check the appliance settings

You can save considerably by adjusting your appliance settings. Use an eco setting where possible, and check that appliances are not running at extreme hot/cold, high or bright settings, as this generally increases energy consumption. With washing machines, use a cold water cycle as much as possible, as a hot cycle can use up to 10 times more energy. With hot water systems, the federal government recommends setting the thermostat to 60 degrees celsius for storage hot water systems or no more than 50 degrees on instantaneous systems.

Contact our team today if you need assistance making your home more energy-efficient!

Virtual Power Plant: What is it?

A virtual power plant is a software-based technology that will play an essential role in future energy storage.

Australian electricity providers are already collecting energy from thousands of household solar batteries and storing it in their virtual power plants to help balance the electricity grid, reduce reliance on coal power, and reduce power bills for those signed up.

As a household with solar battery storage, you can participate by sharing power with the grid and get rewarded for it, either through direct payments or bill credits.

Virtual Power Plants explained

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of energy storage systems centrally managed by software to provide energy to the grid during peak demand. Virtual Power Plants allow renewable energy to be harnessed quickly, keeping the network stable and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The software-based technology allows renewable energy to be injected into the grid with lightning speed to address voltage imbalances and local disturbances and keep the network stable. Ultimately it is helping create a future where energy is more affordable and renewable.

VPP power sources

The more common way for VPPs to collect energy from Australian households is through solar batteries. According to ARENA, Australians are leading globally for rooftop solar, installing more than 2.5 million systems with a collective capacity of more than 10 GW. Home batteries are also growing rapidly, with more than 73,000 systems storing almost 1.1 GW of power.

There are a variety of other energy assets and generators from which renewable energy can be sourced. An electric vehicle type is currently being trialled in the ACT that will have a vehicle-to-grid capability, offering households another significant renewable energy source in the future.

How you can get involved

Check if your electricity provider has a VPP program and compare it with other providers. Before signing up for one, you must ensure your battery is compatible with their system, as each VPP program has a different protocol. And if you have a specific VPP scheme in mind but haven’t installed solar yet, you’ll want to check this out before buying your battery.

The Ehlerth Electrical team are very experienced in solar repairs, replacements and installations. If you are interested in installing solar for your property, please reach out to our team today!

Solar in 2022 - FAQ

As Queenslanders, we are the lucky recipients of an abundant amount of sunshine. What better way to utilise this than to use it to power our homes and businesses. 

We know this can be a confusing topic to research, so the Ehlerth Electrical solar team has compiled their notes to help you navigate solar in 2022. If you are looking into your solar options or thinking this will be something you tackle a bit down the road, this blog will be a good starting point to help you understand what is involved in this process.

We have covered this in our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

Is there a Government rebate? How can I access this? 

Yes! The Federal Government still has a solar rebate on offer called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. This involves the creation of a Small-scale technology certificate (STC) which acts as a form of currency and is used to recoup a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing a renewable energy system (usually solar). Your STC is calculated based on the number of solar panels you install on your property. This rebate does continue to diminish every year, however, it is not scheduled to end until 2030. 

To access this rebate, you must go through an installer with a Clean Energy Council Accreditation. For Ehlerth Electrical customers, all of the required paperwork and forms are completed by the solar team, and the rebates are accounted for in the initial quote. 

How do I know what system to use?

When deciding which system is best suited for your property, there are a few considerations. The first step for any solar project is to analyse the property's recent electrical bills across multiple seasons to highlight usage amounts and any notable trends, focusing on how many kilowatts are used over a specific timeframe.  

The second step is scouting the property to ensure it is appropriate for a solar installation and if it will be a reasonable option. Look at how many solar panels can fit onto your roof, is there any shading in the area and if other environmental factors come into play. If your roof is south facing a solar system would not always be a viable option. 

Once all of these factors have been considered, the solar team will work out the project logistics to determine how much power is needed for your property and if this can be reached with the available space. 

How long will it take to see a return on investment (ROI)? 

There is no definitive answer to this question; however, the expected ROI timeframe is usually between 3-5 years. Many factors can influence this, including the behavourial changes in households and businesses to ensure they are utilising their solar system in the most efficient ways. For example, opting to use appliances and machines during daylight hours versus nighttime to avoid after-hours consumption and therefore less reliability from the electricity grid and power you have to pay. 

What does it mean when someone says they earn money from their solar system? 

In basic terms, energy companies can buy back the electricity your solar system produces if it isn’t being used in your home. This is called a Feed-in Tariff, which differs from one energy provider to another. Depending on your household consumption, this may not be feasible as the energy companies have considerable differences between the price they buy your energy for and what they sell it back to you at. So it is usually best to focus on your savings instead of your earnings.

Why is it important to go solar in 2022? 

Not only is solar power a renewable energy source perfect for those wanting to decrease their carbon footprint, but it is a great way to help manage the rising cost of living. Our homes are becoming bigger and require a lot more power to sustain them. The amount of elements in the home requiring electricity is increasing exponentially. Often you will see houses with two ovens, multiple fridges, and more household appliances. Many homes are also installing electric car chargers, which put significant restraint on the grid when charging. In the end, solar helps lower the cost of your power bill and lets you spend money on more important things. 

The Ehlerth Electrical team are very experienced in solar repairs, replacements and installations. If you are interested in installing solar for your property, please reach out to our team today!