In the heart of Byron Bay, nestled behind leafy surrounds and exuding pure artistic charm, lies the sprawling sanctuary of homeowners Leah and Kurt. Their eclectic home, lovingly pieced together over years and three full rebuilds, finally took centre stage in Episode 10, Season 8 of Open Homes Australia. But while the bay windows, grand hallway, and boisterous family life drew eyes, it was what sat on the roof, and behind the scenes, that stole the spotlight for energy enthusiasts.
This isn’t just a dream home. It’s now a power-generating beast, thanks to a collaboration between solar distributor Raystech, premium manufacturers LONGi and Sungrow, and expert installers RESINC Solar.
Big home, big family, even bigger energy bills
Leah and Kurt’s home is far from modest. With five kids, three dogs, a cat, and a crew of regular teenage visitors, their home constantly hums with activity, and so does their electricity meter. “We burn through so much power here. Probably four times, five times the average household,” Kurt admitted on the show.
The pool alone gets a workout year-round, and when combined with heating, appliances, lighting, and entertainment needs, the energy demand is eye-watering. Their previous system just couldn’t keep up.
Enter Raystech, RESINC Solar, and a tailor-made system
Energy Matters CEO Roshan Ramnarain stepped in during the segment to highlight the scale of the problem and the solution. “These guys have had massive electricity bills… so really, for them planning to have a large enough solar system to power their needs today as well as for the future was important to them,” he said.
Roshan, alongside Adrian Amato from Raystech, introduced the powerhouse system now sitting silently atop the home: 25kW of LONGi solar panels paired with 20kW of Sungrow inverters. “We worked with the team at Raystech to provide a beautiful a whole new solar system,” added Leigh Storr from RESINC Solar.
This wasn’t just about adding solar for the sake of it. It was about smart sizing, reliable brands, and style.
Raystech: the solar industry’s behind-the-scenes MVP
While you may not see their name on rooftops, Raystech is a major force in Australia’s renewable energy sector. As a specialist solar distributor, they supply premium solar components to installers like RESINC Solar around the country.
According to Adrian Amato, Raystech prioritises partnerships with globally recognised manufacturers that offer more than just high specs. “They’re global leaders… but not only that, in Australia, they have local support. They’ve been around a long time… let’s just say they’re quality,” Adrian told Roshan.
This local support is crucial. Whether it’s responding to technical questions, delivering on time, or backing up warranties, Raystech ensures installers have what they need, when they need it.
LONGi panels: power meets polish
There’s a reason LONGi solar panels feature heavily in Raystech’s offerings. They’re efficient, durable, and – in this case – stunning to look at. The all-black panels used on Leah and Kurt’s property blend seamlessly with the home’s design.
“One thing I love about the LONGi solar panels is their aesthetics,” Roshan said. “They look absolutely incredible. So stylish, all black, which means they pretty much work on any type of rooftop”.
Adrian agreed, pointing out that looks matter when it comes to installing solar on high-end homes. “You want your panels to look good. They’re on your house. It’s your biggest asset,” he said.
And it’s not just the main house benefiting from the solar system. Much of the system is cleverly hidden on the pool house, keeping the facade of the home clean while still delivering full functionality.
Sungrow inverters: performance that packs a punch
Matching LONGi’s panels is Sungrow’s tried-and-tested inverter tech. Sungrow is known for its robust performance, high efficiency, and advanced safety features. The 20kW setup on this Byron Bay home ensures that every ray of sun hitting the panels is effectively converted into usable energy for the family below.
As Leigh Storr from RESINC Solar explained, the combination of quality panels and inverters was essential. “Providing for that energy solution that they need for the size of the family home” meant thinking long term, not just slapping panels on a roof.
Where design and sustainability walk hand in hand
What’s perhaps most remarkable about this install is that it adds value to the home without compromising its aesthetic. “From the facade, you can’t see anything,” said Roshan. “When you actually come into the back garden, you can see those panels on the actual pool house, but they look amazing… they actually add to the aesthetics”.
Leigh echoed this sentiment: “Using beautiful panels like the long black panels and aesthetically designing it so that you’ve got nice lines and symmetry in a system is really important. We like to add value to properties, not take value away”.
A model for modern solar
This Byron Bay project isn’t just another solar install. It’s a case study in how renewable energy can meet high design standards, reduce bills, and support future energy needs.
With Raystech at the distribution helm, LONGi and Sungrow delivering the tech, and RESINC Solar handling the expert install, it’s clear this team knows how to future-proof a home.
For homeowners dreaming big, living large, and looking to slash energy bills, this home might just be the new benchmark.
