Hands up who has an ebike?
Put your hands down. I can’t see them. And it’s not really pertinent. You don’t need an ebike to have solar, which is what we’re discussing here.
Solar is a game changer for Australian homes at the moment. If you’re like our neighbours, it means you can run your air-con 24/7 without feeling guilty. (And in case you think that’s a snide remark about our neighbours, it’s not. More power to them. Pardon the pun.)
I work from home and I have four ebikes. I’d love to have solar but we’re sheltered by trees from about 10am onwards. Besides which, ebikes don’t use a lot of power. 250 watts isn’t a great deal of output. Not compared to 225,000 watts pumped out be a Tesla.
The world should convert to ebikes. Not ecars.
Home Solar
The key to having a good experience with home solar installation is to get a good provider. There are plenty of companies out there prepared to deliver solar at the lowest possible costing. Finding a provider with industry experience, someone sourcing quality parts, and with a team of experience trades, is important. We’re recommending Wix Energy if you live on the Gold Coast. They’re set up as a smaller company who want to deal with good products and deliver a quality solar installation.
Ideally, you’ll get an audit done on your property. This could be a virtual audit (if that’s what it’s called…there’s software you can pay for that shows the solar potential of every property in Australia) or a physical audit. If you’re somewhat shaded by trees (like us) then ask for a physical audit. That will take into account how much sun your roof actually gets.
Battery Storage
With feed in tariffs varying quite a bit these days, many people opt to get battery storage. Rather than accept a low figure when the sun shines, you can store that power and use it after dark.
There are now various options for solar battery storage, well beyond the Tesla Powerwall. Consult with your solar provider to find a solution that suits you budget and needs. Keep in mind that battery reliability and energy density comes at a cost. Buying cheaper batteries might not work out so well in the long run. (A bit like those ebikes with cheaper batteries. My Shimano and Bosch systems are still going strong after years of use.)
Cost Savings
We’re in it for the money right? If the savings don’t add up then solar doesn’t either. That’s why I don’t have solar (yet). Do you sums and make sure your solar installation is going to work for you. With costs going down and quality going up there has never been a better time to invest in home solar.