EUPD Research Top Installer Awards 2024 and a Digital Revolution in Solar

EUPD Research Top Installer Awards 2024 presentation banner (left to right): Daniel Fuchs, Nicole Bilman and Derek McKercher holding the EUPD Installer Award 2024 shield

The vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne’s Cargo Hall Southbank recently played host to the 2024 EUPD Research Top Installer Awards Australia. Amidst industry leaders and innovators, Perth Solar Warehouse once again claimed a top spot, marking a second consecutive year as an award recipient. This achievement underscores a commitment to customer satisfaction, quality installations, and innovative solutions in the Australian solar market. The awards ceremony highlighted Perth Solar Warehouse’s commitment to setting the benchmark for innovation and excellence in the industry.

Contents

Key points

  • Double EUPD Research Top Installer Awards [2023, 24]
  • Nicole Bilman adds improved dynamic in leadership role
  • The future of buying and using solar in Australia is digital

EUPD Research, a globally respected authority in market research, employs a meticulous approach to identify top installers. Their methodology goes beyond simple sales figures, delving into the heart of customer experience. By combining customer satisfaction surveys with installation volume data, EUPD ensures that awardees are not just successful installers, but trusted partners in their customers’ solar journey.

For Perth Solar Warehouse, this recognition powerfully validates a unique approach to the market through a pioneering digitally enhanced buying experience.

Revolutionising the solar buying journey

Perth Solar Warehouse understands that navigating the world of solar can be daunting for many homeowners. The answer? A cutting-edge digital platform that simplifies the entire process, making it more transparent, convenient, and customer-centric. This innovative approach has resonated with customers, contributing significantly to high satisfaction ratings and, ultimately, EUPD Research Top Installer Award 2024 recognition.

EUPD Research Top Installer Awards 2024 and 2023 shield with Perth Solar Warehouse technician installing solar panels on a white roof

Award winning digital buying experience

Needing an in-home consultation to quote a modern solar energy system accurately is a myth in 2024. In 2010, solar panels were more expensive, and there was a lack of accurate design software. Therefore, precise sizing and a more consultive process regarding customer needs were valid. With most system sizes now standardised and spare time more elusive than ever, the need to schedule site quotes can be more of a hindrance for the astute shopper seeking a proven solution.

One step further, we can improve value through digitalisation. Sales consultations are rarely free, and the cost (commission) is often embedded in an inflated price for the end user. If a remote site assessment proves inconclusive, a Perth Solar Warehouse technician conducts a site review based on a customer’s preferred system. Most importantly, the quoted/contracted price is always the final price, earning Perth Solar Warehouse a strong community and local trust for over a decade.

Growing consumer appeal:

  • Transparency: Customers gain access to clear and detailed information about products, pricing, and installation processes, eliminating any ambiguity and fostering trust.
  • Convenience: The entire journey, from initial inquiry to system design and installation schedule, can be managed online, saving customers valuable time and effort.
  • Personalised Solutions: The digital platform allows customers to explore various options and customise their solar systems to perfectly match their energy needs and budget.
  • High-Quality Outcomes: By streamlining the backend process and ensuring clear communication, Perth Solar Warehouse minimises potential errors and provides a smooth and efficient installation experience.

This commitment to a seamless digital experience aligns perfectly with the values recognised by the EUPD Top Installer award. By prioritising customer satisfaction and embracing innovation, Perth Solar Warehouse is meeting the demands of today’s tech-savvy consumers and setting a new standard for the industry.

Need an award-winning comparison? Get a hassle-free Perth Solar Warehouse quote.

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A woman led success story

Perth Solar Warehouse’s EUPD Research Top Installer Award 2024 success is further amplified by the fact that it is one of the few Australian solar companies with proven female leadership, Nicole Biman. Nicole’s leadership offers balance in a predominantly male-led industry and fosters a company culture prioritising customer-centricity, employee empowerment, and a passion for sustainable solutions.

Read more about Nicole Bilman on McKercher Corporations acknowledgment.

Credit to the entire team

While Biman’s leadership sets the tone, the entire Perth Solar Warehouse team plays a vital role in the continued success. Their dedication to providing exceptional service, from the initial interaction to the final installation, ensures that every customer feels valued and supported. This strong team spirit is palpable and undoubtedly contributes to a high customer satisfaction rating.

Thank you, team! the EUPD Research Top Installer Award 2024 is your recognition as an elite performer in Australia.

Daniel Fuch, Nicole Bilman and Derek McKercher in front of the EUPD Research Awards 2024 banners at the recent ceremony

Image: Daniel Fuchs (EUPD Research), Nicole Bilman and Derek McKercher on behalf of Perth Solar Warehouse.

The future of solar in Australia

Solar and battery technology is progressing more digitally each day, as are customer purchasing preferences. Perth Solar Warehouse connects customers with industry-leading sustainable technology on a hassle-free platform that respects the customer through transparency and detail.

Perth Solar Warehouse’s EUPD Research Top Installer award is a testament to a commitment to excellence in every facet of business. By combining a customer-focused approach with digital buying and management solutions, we are shaping the future of solar in Australia and inspiring other companies to raise the bar through modern convenience. As Australia transitions towards more renewable energy, Perth Solar Warehouse’s innovative approach is a shining example of how technology, transparency, and teamwork can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Reduce your electricity bill: Synergy’s Midday Saver tariff + battery

Tesla Powerwal 3 pictured on the outside of a suburban Australian home identifying how alone a battery alone (without solar panels) can influence bills savings from the Synergy Midday Saver Tariff in Perth and Bunbury region Western Australia

Solar panels not included. Many homes in the greater Perth region of Western Australia can’t enjoy the benefits of solar panels due to property incompatibilities (shade, available surface area, etc.) yet still seek to earn greater energy security while reducing their electricity bills. Fortunately, solar energy is available on the grid during peak daylight hours and it’s cheap.

It is so abundant that Synergy is offering the cost of electricity during peak solar production periods at a quarter (8.4050 cents/kWh) of the Home Plan A1 tariff price. Here’s how you can reduce your bills by combining only a home battery system and the Synergy Midday Saver tariff.

Contents

Key points

  • Net saving scenario of $4.53 daily and improved energy security
  • Super Off-Peak (9 am - 3 pm): 8.4050 cents/kWh
  • Use a battery to bridge the Peak (3 pm - 9 pm): 52.5313 cents/kWh
  • Solar has the lowest wholesale energy cost for Synergy to distribute

A modern energy grid in one paragraph: The decentralisation of energy networks provides greater energy security for users and expanding populations, as they are less subjected to singular supply interruptions. Alongside decentralisation, variable fuel sources offer extra protection from potential supply market wholesale cost volatility. Perhaps even complication, but we’ve never had a more stable grid. Welcome to Western Power’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS for short), also known as ‘The Grid’, where Synergy is the local retailer.

Now, consider that the Western Power grid plays host to an energy market. Daily, the most affordable energy supplied at a nominated period takes preference to satisfy the network’s requirements. In Perth, there is an oversupply of solar energy between 9 am and 3 pm, enticing heavy day-time energy users with a sweeter deal. 

Tesla App showcased on two mobile phone displays to illustrate the advanced features within the Tesla Energy ecosystem. Perth Solar Warehouse is Perth local Tesla Premium Certified Installer.

Image: Daily solar energy yield between 9 am to 3 pm peak periods.

Quick Tip 1: Load shift when choosing the Synergy Midday Saver tariff, shift programmable appliance use between 9 am and 3 pm. Consider the following appliances: dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, e-mobility charging, pool pump, air conditioner (pre-conditioning), etc., to operate on cheaper grid-supplied solar energy at 8.4050 cents/kWh.

Quick Tip 2: Add a suitable battery to bridge the more costly 3 to 9pm ‘Peak’ period. Suitability depends on individual energy use. Tesla has almost mathed the ideal battery size for most homeowners during this period at 13.5 kWh (so much so that it didn’t change between models: Powerwall 2 vs 3). Many other batteries are either similar in energy density or more modular to achieve an ideal level of energy security. Cost per kWh is where battery customers in this segment must focus.

Need a home battery quote? Perth Solar Warehouse is a Perth local installer for proven technology.

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Scenario A

Sarah lives in Perth and is on the Synergy Midday Saver tariff. By knowing how to load shift certain appliances towards cheaper energy, Sarah now has enough energy storage in reserve to ensure she can clear the more expensive ‘Peak’ period. Sarah has a Tesla Powerwall 3 with a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh installed in her home, but she does not have solar panels.

Midday Saver Tariff Rates:

  • Peak (3 pm – 9 pm): 52.5313 cents/kWh
  • Off-Peak (9 pm – 9 am): 23.1138 cents/kWh
  • Super Off-Peak (9 am – 3 pm): 8.4050 cents/kWh

Scenario Calculations: 

Charging the Powerwall: Sarah decides to fully charge her Powerwall during the Super Off-Peak period, 9 am to 3 pm.

Energy required: 13.5 kWh

Cost to charge: 13.5 kWh x 8.4050 cents/kWh = $1.134

Using the Powerwall: Sarah uses the entire stored energy in the Powerwall during the Peak period (3 pm to 9 pm) to power her home appliances.

Energy used: 13.5 kWh

Cost avoided during Peak: 13.5 kWh x 52.5313 cents/kWh = $7.054

Net Savings: Calculate the overall savings by subtracting the cost to charge the Powerwall and the daily supply charge from the cost avoided during peak hours.

Net savings: $7.054 – $1.134 – $1.2608 = $4.659

It’s important to note that the daily supply charge of the Synergy Midday Saver tariff is approximately 13c more per day than the Home Plan A1 Tariff. To consider this difference, subtract 13c from the $4.659 saved daily. 

$4.659 – $0.13 = $4.53 savings per day

In this scenario, even without solar panels, Sarah is able to save $4.53 by strategically charging her Powerwall during Super Off-Peak hours and utilising the stored energy during Peak hours. This demonstrates how a home battery can be leveraged to optimise energy costs even for those without solar generation.

Additional benefits of the Synergy Midday Saver tariff are the reduced Off-Peak rates (9 pm to 9 am) rates of 23.1138c per kWh off-peak energy cost (vs Home Plan A1 Tariff: 31.5823c per kWh). Consider this an improved base load power supply cost for 24/7 appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, after-hours air conditioning use (if required), fans, and appliances on stand-by mode.

Additional Considerations:

  • The actual savings may vary depending on the household’s energy consumption patterns and the specific appliance use during different tariff periods.
  • It’s important to analyse your energy usage and tariff rates to determine if a home battery would be a cost-effective solution for your situation.
  • Daily supply charges vary between different Synergy tariffs.
  • Tariff rates change anually.
Person holding an iPad with a Synergy bill displayed identifying Home Plan A1 Synergy Electricity Tariffs

Image: Synergy Midday Saver tariff provides an energy-saving opportunity for those without solar panels.

Comparison Tariffs

Synergy is a retail energy business, so the numbers must provide a level of profitability, regardless of the energy supplied from the grid. Below is a brief comparison of the three main tariffs available in 2024/25:

Home Plan (A1)

Your energy consumption knowledge: Easy

  • Supply charge (daily): $1.1322
  • All day/night: 0.315823 cents/kWh

The set-and-forget ‘easy’ Synergy electricity rate more appealing to users who choose to be less concerned about how and when they use energy. The rates within the Synergy Home Plan (A1) tariff ensure a mid-range cost of electricity. How much you pay depends on your ‘anytime’ energy consumption.

Bill reduction potential: N/A. Best for those who want to operate energy anytime and not worry about variable cost benefit options.

Midday Saver

Your energy consumption knowledge: Intermediate

  • Supply charge (daily): $1.2607
  • Peak (3pm – 9pm): 52.5313 cents/kWh
  • Off-Peak (9pm – 9am): 23.1138 cents/kWh
  • Super Off-Peak (9am – 3pm): 8.4050 cents/kWh

The Synergy Midday Saver tariff is ideal for users who have a finely tuned operational energy sense. You know what appliances you’re using and when you’re using them, and mastering energy bill reduction by optimising habits in line with low-cost energy.

Bill reduction potential: Improved through greater energy market exposure and the ability to capitalise on the opportune time. Strongly consider home energy storage to bridge peak charge costs.

EV Add On

Your energy consumption knowledge: Advanced

  • Supply charge (daily): $1.2607
  • Peak (3pm – 9pm): 52.5313 cents/kWh
  • Off-Peak (6am – 9am / 9pm to 11pm): 23.1138 cents/kWh
  • Super Off-Peak (9am – 3pm): 8.4050 cents/kWh
  • Overnight electricity charge (11pm to 6am): 18.9113 cents/kWh

The EV Add-On tariff is effectively the same as the Synergy Midday Saver tariff except for one improved cost layer: the Overnight electricity charge between 11pm and 6am (but you must own an electric vehicle). This can effectively be used to top up the home battery alongside an electric vehicle ready for use with the morning’s energy use. EV add-on should only be considered for those with an advanced knowledge of how and when precisely to operate certain loads.

Bill reduction potential: Varied. Primarily, you’re now aiming to supplement petrol energy at a lower cost/km travelled for your vehicle and prepared to schedule home electricity consumption on an advanced level. So, the costs you save through optimising appliance use will host an EV charging component (approx. 10 kWh daily). But if you’re on this plan, you know what you’re doing. Higher or similar Synergy bills are likely, but overall energy spending (Average household energy profile: electric, natural gas, oil/petrochemical) will be reduced if monitored and aligned with low-cost inputs. Strongly consider bidirectional EV charging capabilities or home energy storage to bridge Peak charge costs.

Return on intial investment

Return on investment calculations are always subjective yet provide a level of insight into the approximate timeframe you are likely to see your initial investment is recovered in savings and the point at a point of where your investment makes money. However, when it comes to batteries, many focus on energy savings alone at the current rate and neglect alternative benefits that may improve calculations:

  • Future ‘Peak’ rate increase protection
  • Inflationary protection
  • Additional energy security, such as blackout protection
  • Advanced operational features including energy profiling and solar optimisation [with solar] 
If you’re using the Synergy Midday Saver tariff with a battery and no solar the return on investment in energy savings alone is less than ten years in current rate energy savings. These added benefit may well improve ROI calculations depending on the individual scenario and total installed battery cost.

Midday Saver with 1 x Battery [no solar]

However, we can assume a scenario with base-level costs and total daily battery cycling with the intention of bridging the Peak period rates at the current tariff rate, which historically increases at approximately 2.5 -3% p/a for fossil fuel-generated energy.

Scenario A: Sarah buys a Tesla Powerwall 3 installed from Perth Solar Warehouse.

Purchase price: $15,990 [current prices]

Daily energy savings: $4.53

Calculated ROI: $15,990 ÷ 4.53 = 3530 days/ 9.7 years

Even without solar panels, Sarah can now power her home from low-cost solar energy plus protect herself from blackouts and future price increases of fossil-fuel-generated energy. With Tesla Powerwall 3’s software and smart tariff utilisation features, she has the ability to improve load shifting to low-cost power hours, further expediting her return on investment.

Midday Saver with 2 x Batteries [no solar]

Sarah draws more power than most homes between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., so she decides to double down on her investment in a more suitable battery capacity of 27 kWh. Considering the initial battery price factors a major installation component cost, additional capacity is far simpler to install affecting an improved addition capacity cost.

Scenario A: Sarah buys 2 x Tesla Powerwall 3’s installed from Perth Solar Warehouse totalling 27 kWh of power reserve.

Purchase price: $15,990 + $13990 = $29,980

Daily energy savings: $9.06

Calculated ROI: $29,980 ÷ 9.06 = 3309 days/ 9 years

Increasing her energy storage capacity improves Sarah’s initial return on investment calculations while contributing to more sustainable energy sources with added energy security benefits.

Using the Synergy Midday Saver tariff blindly and unprepared will not reduce your electricity bills. However, if you can better optimise energy consumption alongside a battery to skip the more costly Peak period, where opportunities exist with improved energy independence and security.

References

Synergy: Energy plans