The Guardian published an article about an Australian homeowner who installed a home battery for environmental and economic reasons.
"It's really a brilliant system," said retiree David Collins.
Some people want to reduce their environmental impact through more efficient energy usage but can't install solar panels. This could be due to a lack of space, a lack of sunlight, or an unaccommodating rental situation.
In any of these cases, a home battery may be a viable alternative.
Collins wanted to install solar panels, but his roof is shaded by an established tree. He bought a home battery instead. His primary goals were to reduce his environmental impact and have reliable power since he lives in Sydney's bushfire-prone Northern Beaches region, which is vulnerable to power outages.
"We've had trees come down and take out power lines," Collins explained. "I wanted to be self-sufficient in case of a power outage."
Get cost-effective air conditioning in less than an hour without expensive electrical work The Merino Mono is a heating and cooling system designed for the rooms traditional HVAC can't reach. The streamlined design eliminates clunky outdoor units, installs in under an hour, and plugs into a standard 120V outlet — no expensive electrical upgrades required. And while a traditional “mini-split” system can get pricey fast, the Merino Mono comes with a flat-rate price — with hardware and professional installation included. |
Home batteries can be expensive and can take a long time to reach the break-even point. The Guardian said Collins purchased his battery for $14,000. He is seeing an average savings of $100 per month on his electric bill, meaning his investment will take 12 years to pay off.
Given the battery's 10-year warranty, it may not be the best investment, but since Collins is prioritizing the environment and reliable power, he considers it the best choice for his household.
Home battery manufacturers are striving to improve their systems to last longer and be more cost-effective.
Batteries allow homeowners to store energy generated by solar panels. That energy can then be used during peak hours to save money. It can also be a backup energy source during a power outage.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
|
What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
The cost 💰 Home batteries are a cleaner source of energy than traditional power sources such as oil and gas, reducing planet-warming pollution.
Collins is excited about his home battery system and the future of eco-friendly energy options, but he hopes to eventually incorporate solar panels.
"That old tree in the back yard may need to come down one day," he said.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
