Former primary producer Ron knows all about the nightmare of rising energy costs.

As his business developed the poultry farmer’s power bills soared from $25,000 a year in the early 1990s to $80,000 two years ago. Despite his best efforts it was a battle he couldn’t win.

Now living in happy retirement in Millswood, Adelaide, Ron has finally won the war on power costs after fitting solar panels and a battery.

“This winter my electricity bill was just $150 compared to nearly $1100 for the same quarter in 2018,” he says.

Ron’s victory came after Adelaide’s Sharpe Energy-Hub analysed his usage, future needs and how the best system could be tailored for his situation.

“I got some terrific help with the design of the system and I was very pleased with the quality of the installation,” he says. “I was involved at every stage and I’m so happy with the result I’ve referred my friends to Sharpe.”

Ron took advantage of the SA Home Battery Subsidy scheme and installed a 5kW solar array linked to a Sonnen 9.53 Hybrid battery.

“It’s very important to get the right-sized battery and solar array to get the full advantage of the system,” Ron says.

“Sharpe put a lot of effort into positioning the panels to avoid some shade issues on my property.”

A typical household can meet up to 80 percent of its yearly electricity needs and as much as 100 percent in summer if the correct-sized solar-battery system is installed.

“Sharpe also gave me great advice on the usage of my existing heating-cooling appliances to take full advantage of the new system,” Ron says.

“With the subsidy and having the correct system operating efficiently I expect the payback time on this project to be less than five years.”

That’s a great result and shows how householders can win the war on power bills.