Crafers Home Installs Solar, Battery & Heat Pump – Big Savings Achieved to Date.

Period: January 2025 – November 2025

Introduction

The homeowners of this beautiful Adelaide Hills property approached Solar Power Direct in 2024 after receiving extremely high electricity bills during their first winter quarter in the home. With a billed quarterly consumption of 9,600 kWh (≈ $4,320) in the first winter, it was clear that something needed to change. At the time, significant recent energy price increases highlighted the need for a degree of self-sufficiency.

Although Robbie didn’t have a full year of data, he modelled based on the winter figures — likely the worst-case scenario — using our solar modelling software, Pylon, which projected an annual usage of approximately 35,500 kWh (≈ $15,975). After an initial discussion about the property’s energy usage, Robbie visited the home to carry out a full assessment.

His recommendations included:

• Installing the largest solar system feasible on the roof without compromising the aesthetics of the property, while accounting for shading from large nearby trees that made some roof areas non-viable.
• Adding a battery system, with the option to expand later once more data was available.
• Replacing the aged electric hot water system with a heat pump for improved efficiency.
• Proposing a smarter usage strategy. To moved the under floor heating circuits from a controlled load (with a standard retail electricity rate and 24-hour operation) to the main meter, and install timers so it would only energise during during peak solar generation or off-peak periods — similar to a controlled load setup but optimised for solar.

Challenge

This Crafers home was on track to consume 35,500 kWh annually (≈ $15,975). Rising electricity prices and high usage made a sustainable, all-electric solution essential.

Solution

Robbie designed a tailored solution to maximise efficiency and aesthetics:

• 20kW Solar System with all-black, hybrid passivated back contact panels, Hybrid Inverter & Schletter mounting system. 
• 25.6kWh Battery Storage - DC coupled to the Solar system.
• 270L Heat Pump for efficient hot water
• Timer-Controlled Underfloor Heating, programmed to operate only during affordable electricity periods or when offset by solar generation

Measured Results (Jan–Nov 2025)

• Homes Total Consumption: 21,610 kWh
• Grid Consumption: 10,550 kWh
• Solar Generation: 16,000 kWh
• Self-Consumed Solar Energy: 11,060 kWh (≈ 51% of usage)
• Grid Dependency: 49%

Energy Cost Impact:
Despite significant renovations and improvements at the property — including the addition of a tennis court, Spa and pool — smarter energy usage, more efficient hot water and the integration of solar and battery storage have put the homeowner on track for an overall reduction of $10,143 in energy costs this year compared to the projected grid usage.

Environmental Impact:
16,000 kWh solar avoids ≈ 13.1 tonnes of CO₂, equal to planting ~200 trees or removing 3 cars from the road for a year.

Seasonal Comparison: Winter Quarter (June–August)

This quarter typically sees highest energy demand due to colder weather and frequent underfloor heating use, while solar generation is lower due to less ideal conditions and shading. Comparing the same period before and after installation shows the dramatic improvement:Key Insights:

• Consumption dropped by 10.3% despite winter heating needs & the installation of the Spa, Pool & Tennis Court.
• Grid reliance reduced by 39%
• $1,708 saved in just one winter quarter, even with lower solar output

Outcome

The homeowner dramatically reduced reliance on the grid, achieved over $10,000 in energy cost reductions in just 11 months, and began the transition to an all-electric home — all with an installation that is as visually appealing as it is functional.

Looking Ahead

Future upgrades are now more viable as we enter 2026 thanks to battery rebates and the potential for free charging periods, which may justify further expansion if desired. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design and technology can deliver both financial savings and aesthetic excellence.

Calculations are based on:

• Electricity rate of $0.45 per kWh for grid power
• Feed-in tariff of $0.05 per kWh for exported solar
• Self-consumed solar valued at full retail rate ($0.45/kWh)
• Figures represent actual measured data for January–November 2025 and June–August seasonal comparison.