He dreaded every quarterly bill, especially after winter. Over a year his payments were averaging between $800-$900 a quarter.

Jason contacted the team at Energy Rating Systems, which used its Energy Analyser to calculate the needs of his family of five children at their Gawler property.

This tool, developed by ERS, gives a thorough analysis of current energy use and future scenarios as family circumstances change.

To get the best option for sunlight considering the position of the house, a split-array was installed. The 5.5kW system has 10 panels facing west and six panels facing north with the inverter featuring remote monitoring of power produced and used.

Jason’s bills have dropped dramatically since solar was installed. In the sunniest months he is paying 80 per cent less. Even in the depths of winter, his power bill is just $400.

“Anyone with five kids and the sort of power bills I was getting should definitely get solar,” he says.

Many ERS customers realise the full potential of their new solar system by upgrading existing heating-cooling systems.

In Jason’s case it was a heat-pump hot water heater. Up to three times as efficient to run as a conventional hot water system, savings are maximised when connected to solar panels.

Jason took advantage of one of the finance packages available through Energy Rating Systems to start his family’s journey towards energy efficiency and sustainability.

“Now I’m paying for my own solar system instead of giving it all to the energy retail company and I’m adding value to my property,” he says. “It’s the best investment I’ve ever made.”