The road to net-zero begins with the homes we live in. Roshan, Energy Matters’ CEO, and his family have transformed their Queensland home into a self-sufficient, electrified, and carbon-positive retreat. Let’s explore how they did it and find out what steps you can follow to transform your own home. You’ll also be able to track, in real-time, the solar production and energy usage of the home.
Having been a renter (primarily in apartments) for 24 years, Rosh, his wife Tee-Jay, and daughter Coco, moved to their “forever home” in 2024. The house, located in Tallebudgera in the Gold Coast Hinterland, is 31 years old. Here’s some quick facts:
With escalating power bills, regular power outages, poor insulation and inefficient appliances, the decision was made to renovate the home. Renovation can seem like an overwhelming and expensive concept. Choosing to remain in the house without making any changes would not only result in the continued impact of blackouts but increasing power bills and a high carbon footprint.
The following renovations were decided upon:
The aim was to transform the home from carbon negative to positive, eliminate electricity bills, and be energy independent.
Exterior renovation:
Upgraded dishwasher to more energy efficient model
Fruit trees planted:
1 x 1 day
1 x half day
2 x 6kW
4 x 2.5kW
Fujitsu units with smart home capability
Energy Bill 1 (2 month no aircon, 1 month with): Average daily usage is 23kWh
Blackout for 48 hours. Third one since moving in.
Energy Bill 2. Average daily usage is 30kWh
2 partial blackouts
44 x 455W (20kW) AIKO Neostar 2S panels. No inverter
Cyclone Alfred plunges home into darkness for 9 days
Installation of Inverter and Battery storage solar system and commissioning of system (home now powered by solar)
Energy Bill 3 (2 months no solar + 9 days of no power).
Average daily usage is 21kWh.
The addition of solar panels and battery storage were game-changes for the Ramnarain family. In the 9 months since moving into their home, they have experienced 5 major blackout events, including 9 days without power during Cyclone Alfred in March. The products selected need to meet key criteria:
Solar panels: 44 x 455W panels (20kW)
Inverter: 10kW hybrid inverter
Battery: 12 x 3.2kWh modules (38.4kWh)
AIKO 455W Neostar 2S all-black solar panels were chosen for their exceptional performance in shaded areas, small footprint, and incredible quality. Rosh saw the panels manufactured on his trip to the AIKO manufacturing facilities in China. The all-black panels are visually stunning and the high efficiency (more power p/sqm) and shade resistant technology were a perfect fit for the house surrounded by trees. AIKO boasts an impressive Australian team with technical support.
A GoodWe EHB 10kW single phase hybrid inverter was added for its fantastic efficiency, 200% oversizing, and battery plug and play.
12 x 3.2kWh GoodWe Home Lynx F Modular batteries now power the home during the night, on cloudy days, and through power outages. Their reliability and seamless switching ensure that the lights stay on during the region’s many power outages.
Roshan chose to use GoodWe as he saw the products manufactured in China during his recent visit for Energy Matters episode 5. GoodWe are a global giant who make high quality and affordable technology. The modular design of the battery will allow the Ramnarain family to expand as their energy needs increase.
Auswell Energy were chosen to install the solar and battery system. They’re an awesome local installer with a national presence and great reputation. They have a team of internal installers as well as high-end contractors. Their customer-first approach to quoting, system design, and installation was what sold Roshan and his family.
The AIKO Neostar 2S 455W solar panels are high-performance modules featuring N-type ABC (All Back Contact) technology. This design enhances efficiency and aesthetics, making them ideal for residential installations. With an efficiency of up to 23.1% and a sleek all-black appearance, these panels offer both performance and style.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 455 W |
| Efficiency | Up to 23.1% |
| Technology | N-type ABC (All Back Contact) |
| Dimensions | 1757 x 1134 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 21.5 kg |
| Warranty | 25-year product, 30-year performance |
The GoodWe EHB Series is a single-phase hybrid inverter tailored for residential energy storage needs. It offers a plug-and-play design, making installation straightforward. The inverter supports a battery-ready option, allowing users to upgrade to a full energy storage solution by purchasing an activation code. With power ratings ranging from 5 kW to 10 kW, it caters to various household energy demands.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 5 kW – 10 kW |
| Phase | Single-phase |
| Design | Plug-and-play |
| Battery Compatibility | Battery-ready with activation code |
| MPPTs | Up to 4 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
The GoodWe Lynx Home F Series is a high-voltage lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed for Australian homes. Its modular, stackable design allows for flexible energy storage solutions, ranging from 6.6 kWh to 16.4 kWh, catering to various energy needs. The system is compatible with GoodWe BH, EH, BT, and ET inverters, ensuring seamless integration. Safety and longevity are paramount, with the LFP technology providing enhanced safety and a longer lifecycle.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Usable Energy | 6.6 kWh – 16.4 kWh |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) |
| Compatibility | GoodWe BH, EH, BT, ET inverters |
| Design | Modular, stackable |
| Depth of Discharge | 100% |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Better than carbon neutral means that Roshan and his family live in a carbon positive home. This was achieved through the following:
Future projects include the plan to add aquaponics so that the family can grow their own fish and vegetables. In a few years, they also plan to add an off-grid second dwelling/studio.
Auswell Energy have teamed up with Energy Matters to offer a special $9,999 installation package* featuring:
Complete the form below and you will be contacted by an Auswell Energy team member.
*Price is for a single-storey residential dwelling, Colorbond roof, and standard installation. Complex installations may incur additional costs. Price listed does NOT include deductions for state rebates and incentives, but does include the federal battery rebate and the STC discount. Installation locations: Noosa to Byron Bay regions, Regions west towards Ipswich (South East Queensland and Northern Rivers region), 100km radious of Sydney, 100km radius of Melbourne. Energy Matters is not responsible for the sale, installation, or after sale support.
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