4 steps for a smooth energy switch

Cost-of-living pressures and awareness about sustainability are leading Australians to look at alternative ways of powering their lives. Here’s what you need to know about transitioning to solar and battery power.

“Solar power has come a long way over the past 15 years,” says Roshan Ramnarain, CEO of award-winning solar advice firm Energy Matters. “You now get more power per square metre and in some cases, today’s solar panels may outlive their owners.”

Ramnarain has been working in the energy industry since 1999 and has focused on solar for the past 15 years. He’s unashamedly enthusiastic about new Australian players in the market, like LAVO – a complete home energy solutions provider. “LAVO is unique – it’s an out-of-the-box solution that’s perfect for a typical Australian home.”

For Phil Bradley, a non-executive director and customer of LAVO, it’s the convenience of the total package that’s appealing. “LAVO has created a one-stop shop for the supply, installation and financing of complete solar energy systems, from panels to batteries, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and software.”

With solar power becoming more attractive for Australians, here’s what you need to know before you make the switch.

Find a system to suit your lifestyle

“There’s no question that solar power helps your back pocket but it pays to do your research,” says Ramnarain. He advises getting a basic understanding of how a solar system works, as well as

the output guarantees, installation and panel warranties. “You’ve only got so much available roof space so you want to get as much energy out of every square metre, considering your needs not just today but over the next five to 10 years.”

For Bradley, efficiency is part and parcel of solar energy. “When energy and fuel prices took off, my wife and I traded in our cars for a plug-in hybrid and an EV. We had an existing solar system but I wanted more out of it and asked LAVO to scale up the batteries, add an EV charger and increase the solar production at our home.”

Lose the upfront costs

“You want to pick great technology that’s high-performing so it will serve you well into the future,” advises Ramnarain. “Buy cheap, buy twice.”

When the Bradleys upgraded to the LAVO Life system, they took advantage of the provider’s payment model. “It’s easier than getting a financier and supplier to work together,” says Phil. “There’s no upfront cost and systems are available for as little as $99 per month on LAVO’s Energy-as-a-Service plan or $120 per fortnight on the finance option.”

Power big savings

Although Bradley and his wife are empty-nesters, he says their energy use is rising. “We have four adult children and our home has become the centre of family activities for them, their partners and our grandson.”

Like many Australians, looking for a cheaper energy solution is a key motivator for adopting solar panels. “It varies based on the property, its sun exposure and the solar system,” says Ramnarain. “A system producing up to 10kWh of electricity a day can save tens of thousands of dollars over its life.”

Maximise available free energy

The final piece of the solar power puzzle is working it into your lifestyle. “You should look into how well the system integrates into a smartphone app,” says Ramnarain. “The app will give you real-time visibility of how much power you’ve produced, when your EV is being charged or alert you to when is the best time to turn on household appliances.”

Phil agrees. “It’s about extracting every bit of energy we can from the sun, whether it’s charging my EV, running the house or sending it to the grid. Energy not used is wasted energy.”