1 October 2025, 4 min read
For Melbourne based scientist Nick, adding a home battery to his solar system was about more than just cutting bills. It was about future-proofing his home, living more sustainably, and knowing his household was powered smarter.
“The biggest driver for me was economic. It was a selfish decision in that sense; I wanted to save money. The sustainability side is obviously a plus.”
When Nick and his wife bought their first home, they jumped at the chance to go solar. But solar alone wasn’t enough.
“Owning a house means you can finally do things like install solar. But solar by itself doesn’t make sense anymore. Feed-in tariffs are too low. A battery was the only smart choice.”
With the help of the Victorian Government’s interest-free loan scheme, they invested in a SolarEdge system – 5.33 kWp of rooftop solar plus a home battery and inverter. Despite navigating a tricky roof for installation, they packed in as many panels as possible.
“We literally crammed as many panels on as physically possible, even though our roof isn’t ideal, we’re generating plenty.”
Since installing the battery, Nick has seen significant reductions in his bills.
“It’s really nice knowing I’m not just paying a bill every month – I can see where the savings come from. It’s great seeing the battery kick in at night. We’re using our own energy instead of buying it back at a premium.”
Their worst month so far? A bill under $100.
By storing excess solar and using it in peak times, Nick avoids high grid prices and gets the full value from his solar investment.
Before the installation, Nick wondered if a battery would make much difference. The results quickly exceeded his expectations.
“At first, I wasn’t sure how much of a difference it would make. Now I can see the value straight away. I expected some savings, but the peace of mind has been a bonus too.”
While the main driver was financial, Nick appreciates the environmental benefits too.
“I wouldn’t call myself a greenie, but if I can save money and also reduce my footprint, then that’s a win.”
He and his wife have completely removed gas from their home. Switching to electric hot water, induction cooking, and solar-powered heating and cooling. Even their camping setup runs on solar and battery.
“Gas isn’t just bad for the environment. It’s bad for your health, and it’s only going to get more expensive.”
Best of all, the switch hasn’t changed how they live.
“It doesn’t get in the way of life at all. We haven’t had to change how we use energy.”
For Nick, the simplicity of the battery was a big plus.
“The installation was really straightforward. I didn’t have to worry about a thing. It just runs in the background. You don’t even think about it.”
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy keeping an eye on things.
“I like watching the app and seeing when the battery kicks in. It’s satisfying knowing you’re using your own power.”
Nick chose Flow Power because it aligned with his goals: competitive pricing and a product that delivered real value for battery owners.
Nick’s message for other homeowners, especially those with solar, is clear: “My advice? Just do it. If you’ve got solar already, a battery is the next logical step. It’s a no-brainer. You don’t notice it’s there, except when the bills come in lower.”
And when it comes to size, he doesn’t hesitate: “The value scales non-linearly. If you can afford a bigger battery, the return on investment is much stronger.”
After just a few months with his system, Nick knows one thing for sure: there’s no going back.
Ready to explore how a battery could work for you?
Nick has been a retail customer of Flow Power since June 2025. He was paid for his time in participating in this interview.
We’re here to help you make the most out of your electricity, whether you’ve got an EV, battery or looking for a way to reduce your bills. Check out our FAQs or get in touch for more information.