Homeowner Story: Nici and Will
Lane Cove NSW Family Home with Pool powered by Qcells solar and storage

The Problem

Nici and Will moved from the UK to Australia 8 years ago. Originally, their plan was to come for work on a temporary basis, but they quickly found themselves enamoured with the Australian weather and lifestyle and it wasn’t a hard decision to make Australia their new home.

In one of the first houses they lived in, they were fortunate enough to have access to a swimming pool, that made them feel like they were constantly on holiday and it left a lasting impression on them. It was then that they decided that once they purchased a house, they would have to have a pool (but heated for year-round use).

Coming from a place where you can’t always rely on regular sunshine, Nici and Will felt it was the obvious choice to power their home with solar and a battery, to   take advantage of the abundant sunshine in Australia.

“Having your house powered by solar energy really is the gold standard. The amount of solar you can generate in Australia is amazing compared to the UK; it seemed like a no-brainer.”

Initially, their motivation was primarily driven by their concern for the environment. They viewed solar energy as a practical and responsible way to make a positive impact on the environment and felt that it was “the right thing to do”.  They also understood that powering and heating a pool would significantly contribute to their utility bills so it made sense to incorporate a solar and battery system into their pool renovation budget to help offset the increased energy costs.

The Solution

Nici and Will prioritised reliability and longevity when it came to selecting a solar energy system, and they found Qcells technology to be the perfect fit for them, providing confidence in their final decision. Initially, they had concerns about the aesthetics of the panels on their cottage-style house. However, the sleek design of the Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 all-black panels exceeded their expectations, and the installer skilfully concealed the cables, seamlessly blending the panels into the roof. They were delighted to see how well the solar panels integrated with the overall appearance of their home.

In addition to the great look of the solar panels, Nici and Will were particularly happy with the sleek design-forward look of the Qcells battery mounted on the wall of their house, resulting in a visually pleasing and functional solar system.

The System

Nici and Will installed an 8.8kW full stack Qcells solar system with 24 Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML G9+ 370 W solar panels, and a 13.7kWh Q.HOME CORE H5 energy storage system (inverter and battery).

The solar and battery system will help the family to generate 62% of their average electricity use and save $3,325 every year. The system was paired with Qcells’ Arcstream Spark energy plan and VPP, providing a flat rate tariff for any grid energy they might need, allowing them to use electricity anytime that is convenient for them.

The Benefits

Since the installation of their solar and battery system, Nici and Will appreciate the visibility and value of their Qcells Q.OMMAND app, which allows them to monitor their energy production and keep an eye on their energy usage.

They find themselves frequently checking the app and have a new, unexpected level of knowledge about their energy usage and the way their household runs. As a result, they have made some adjustments to their daily routines  and these minor tweaks have a significant cumulative effect, allowing them to make the most of their solar energy and reduce their reliance on grid power. It’s an empowering feeling for Nici and Will to actively contribute to a sustainable lifestyle through the use of their solar system.