From high bills to huge savings: How one dad beat rising energy costs

In a time when the cost of living seems to be on an endless upward trajectory, Australians are constantly on the lookout for ways to tighten their belts without sacrificing their quality of life. One dad-of-two, Nathan Triffitt, has found a way to do just that, and now he’s slashing $200 off every bill.

If you’re tired of watching your power costs skyrocket, you’ll want to hear how he turned things around. He’s eager to share his strategy with fellow Australians who are feeling the pinch of rising energy bills. 

Nathan and his wife Danielle made a decision that would not only provide their Thirlmere home with a sustainable energy source but also offer significant savings on their electricity bills.

‘I wanted to keep the lights on for my family in blackouts and to lower the prices of our energy bill,’ Nathan told Yahoo Finance.

The Triffitts’ journey to energy independence began a few years ago when the couple, motivated by the desire to reduce their bills and ensure a reliable power supply during blackouts, invested in solar technology. 

The investment has paid off handsomely, with the family’s electricity costs plummeting and their home becoming a beacon of energy efficiency.

The Triffitts’ home is powered by two 6.6kW solar systems, which they were able to purchase for $5,000 and $6,000 respectively, with the help of state government rebates. Additionally, they are the proud owners of a 10kW solar battery, valued at $10,000, which they won in a competition.

This battery is the cornerstone of their energy-saving strategy, storing solar power during the day and keeping their home running after sunset.

‘On a day we don’t have to use our air con, we can get through the whole night on our battery alone. That’s a really big saving,’ Nathan said.

While the Triffitt family’s story is inspiring, it also highlights a common hurdle many Australians face: the initial cost of installing solar panels and batteries. Rebate schemes and financial assistance programs are available in some states, but eligibility criteria and the complexity of navigating these options can be daunting.

A survey by Brighte found that over three-quarters of Australians are seriously concerned about their energy bills, with 52 per cent citing installation costs as the main barrier to switching to solar.

Katherine McConnell, CEO of Brighte, recognises the challenge, stating, ‘Australians clearly understand the long-term benefits of home energy upgrades and want to act, but rising cost-of-living pressures are making the initial investment even more challenging.’

Triffitt, who took out a loan to switch to solar, advocates for more government rebates, particularly for batteries and larger-sized systems. He believes that such support could extend the hours of battery time and alleviate pressure on the grid.

Meanwhile, the savings from solar and battery usage have been beneficial for the Triffitt family, allowing them to redirect funds towards other essentials.

‘That $200 off our bill can go towards something else like the kids and what they need and want, and put food on our table and all those other things that we need in life,’ Nathan shared.

For our readers over 50, considering the long-term benefits of such an investment could be particularly advantageous. With retirement on the horizon or already in play, securing a way to reduce ongoing expenses can provide financial peace of mind.

It’s worth exploring the options available, including government rebates and innovative financing solutions, to make the switch to solar more accessible.

Have you made the switch to solar, or are you considering it? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your insights could help a fellow reader make an informed decision that could lead to significant savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Also read: Ditch your electricity bill: One Australian dad’s $3,000 savings secret