For many Australian families, rising energy bills are no longer a surprise. They are expected, and for households with growing energy needs, they can quickly become overwhelming. In Global Energy Revolution, James Treble heads to Adelaide to meet Rob and Tiffany, a family of four feeling the pinch. With a teenager and a toddler under one roof, their energy use was climbing fast, pushing their annual bills to around $4,000. Looking for a smarter way forward, the family turned to eHomes, a provider focused on complete home electrification. What follows is a powerful example of how the right technology, installed the right way, can transform a home in just one day.
One day that changes everything
James meets Adrian Ruiz and Scott Friend from eHomes, who outline the plan. The goal is simple but ambitious. Deliver a full energy upgrade in a single day, combining solar, battery storage, and a heat pump hot water system into one seamless installation. Rather than spreading upgrades across months or years, eHomes coordinates every trade to ensure the entire system is installed efficiently and works together from day one.
Adrian explains that while the installation only takes a day, the benefits last far longer. One day of disruption is traded for 15 to 20 years of savings, making it a compelling option for households looking to take control of their energy costs.
Building a complete energy system with eHomes
The system installed on the home is designed to cover both daytime and nighttime energy use. On the roof, 17 high-efficiency 440 W panels create a 7.4 kW solar system, providing strong daytime generation. This is paired with a 10 kW hybrid inverter, ensuring the system can handle higher loads and future expansion.
To capture excess solar, a 27.96 kWh battery from the Fox ESS EQ series is installed. This is a stackable battery system, allowing the family to expand storage capacity over time if their needs grow. Scott explains that during the day, solar energy powers the home directly, while any surplus is stored in the battery. At night, the home draws from stored energy rather than the grid, significantly reducing electricity costs.
This approach ensures that as much solar energy as possible is used within the home, rather than being exported for minimal feed-in tariffs.
Smarter hot water with heat pump technology
Hot water is often one of the largest contributors to household energy use, which is why eHomes includes a heat pump system as part of the upgrade. James speaks with Jessie during the installation of the 270-litre Emerald heat pump, which operates very differently from traditional electric systems.
Instead of using an energy-intensive heating element, the heat pump draws warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water. It works much like an air conditioner in reverse, delivering efficient heating with far less electricity. The system plugs into a standard outdoor power outlet and runs quietly in the background.
With efficiency improvements of up to 80%, the heat pump plays a key role in reducing overall energy consumption, complementing the solar and battery system.
From high bills to energy independence
Before the upgrade, the family was spending around $4,000 per year on electricity. With the new system in place, those costs are expected to drop dramatically. In fact, they are projected to come close to eliminating their bills altogether.
By combining solar generation, battery storage, and efficient appliances, the home becomes far less reliant on the grid. Energy is generated onsite, stored for later use, and consumed more efficiently. The expected return on investment is around four years, after which the savings continue to build.
For households facing rising costs, this kind of outcome is becoming increasingly attractive.
Designed around the household
One of the standout aspects of the eHomes approach is its focus on the household itself. Rob and Tiffany explain that their decision to go with eHomes came down to how well the team listened. Rather than offering a generic solution, the system was tailored to their specific energy usage, lifestyle, and future needs.
This level of customisation ensures the system delivers real value. Every home is different, and aligning the technology with how a family actually uses energy is key to maximising performance and savings.
Installation done right
Coordinating solar, battery storage, and hot water installation in a single day requires careful planning and experienced trades. Throughout the process, it is clear that the teams work together seamlessly, ensuring each component is installed correctly and efficiently.
By the end of the day, the system is fully operational. James and Scott sit down with the homeowners to reflect on the experience, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The process was smooth, the disruption was minimal, and the result is a home ready for the future.
What this means for Australian homes
This Adelaide transformation highlights a broader shift taking place across Australia. More households are looking beyond incremental upgrades and instead opting for fully integrated energy solutions.
By combining solar, battery storage, and efficient appliances, homes can significantly reduce their reliance on the grid. This not only lowers energy bills but also improves resilience and long-term energy security.
The eHomes model shows that electrification does not have to be complicated or drawn out. With the right planning and expertise, it can happen in a single day, delivering immediate and lasting benefits. For families like Rob and Tiffany, it is not just about saving money. It is about taking control of their energy future, and doing it in a way that is simple, practical, and effective.
Watch Global Energy Revolution on 9NOW or stream on YouTube.
