How Solar Energy Transformed This Brisbane Family Home

Meet the Thompsons: Sarah and James, parents of two young kids, live in Sunnybank Hills in Brisbane’s south. Like many Aussie households, their electricity bills were steadily climbing—averaging around $1,560 a year.

Making the Switch to Solar

In early 2024, the Thompsons decided to take control of their energy costs by installing a 6.6kW solar system through Solenergi. With around 40% of their energy usage during daylight hours, they were able to directly consume a large portion of the power generated from their panels.

After switching to solar, the Thompsons’ annual energy bill plummeted. In fact, thanks to Queensland’s feed-in tariffs and smart daytime usage, they are now in credit most months, with estimated first-year savings of over $1,200.

The Next Step: Battery Storage

To take things even further, the Thompsons have decided to add a 10kWh battery, made more affordable through the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program—a rebate of 30% off the upfront cost. With the battery storing their excess daytime solar energy for use at night, their reliance on the grid is expected to shrink dramatically.

Once the battery is installed, their total electricity bill is forecast to drop to around $150 per year. That’s a saving of approximately $1,410 annually compared to their pre-solar expenses.

The Results: Real Savings for Real Families

Scenario	Annual Electricity Cost	Annual Savings
Pre-Solar	$1,560	$0
With Solar Only	In credit or < $50	~$1,200+
With Solar + Battery	~$150	~$1,410

 

Why It Works

Daytime Usage: 40% of power used during the day, directly from solar
Smart Feed-in Tariff: Extra energy exported = extra credit
Battery Storage: Reduced grid reliance at night
Rebates & Incentives: Helping make clean energy affordable

Over 20 years, systems like this are projected to save homeowners more than $16,000 in power bills, with a 6–7 year payback period even without including environmental benefits.

Environmental Impact

Choosing solar doesn’t just make financial sense—it’s also better for the planet. A typical 6.6kW solar system like the Thompsons’ saves each year:

• Equivalent to planting 202 trees
• Avoids burning 3,362 litres of petrol
• Saves 3,821 kg of coal from being burned

Thinking About Solar for Your Home?

Now’s the perfect time. With strong government support and smarter, more efficient systems, solar has never been more accessible.

Contact Solenergi today for a free quote and expert advice tailored to your home.
Let’s make your power bills a thing of the past.