Hugh’s Solar Battery House Toronto 2019

House Notes – Hugh’s Solar Battery House Toronto

As an environmental scientist, I was aware of the need to move away from fossil fuels quickly. In addition, my ageing father needed the house to be heated and cooled for long periods each day, which was leading to large power bills.

So, beginning in October 2015 I installed a 4.94kW solar system on my garage. Each of the 19 panels has an Enphase micro-inverter so that I maximise the power output despite afternoon shade on some panels. Then in February 2017 I installed a 10kWh battery as part of a Suncrowd bulk buy scheme. Most recently, in August 2017, I installed a Sanden heat pump hot water system when the old off-peak tank started leaking. In 2015, I also renovated a granny flat downstairs using a secondhand kitchen.

To round out my home’s sustainability, I have a small veggie garden, an electric scooter for heavy shopping trips and a Toyota Prius for longer trips.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2018
2019
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Efficient lighting
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Split system airconditioner
    • Water heating:
    • Hot water heat pump
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Stormwater management
    • Average water consumption per day:
    • 0.11kl
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Window Protection:
    • Awnings (external)
      Deciduous tree/vegetation
      Drapes/curtains

    • Window Protection:
    • Internal timber shutters
SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED MATERIALS
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Self-renovated a granny flat downstairs using a secondhand kitchen
    • Recycled and reused materials:
    • Appliances
      Kitchen cabinets

RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Energy storage/battery
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • Pre-existing home built 1960 or earlier
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • $25,000
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • $2000
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 240m2
    • BAL Rating
    • N/A
    • Roof
    • Tiles (Clay)
    • Wall Materials
    • Concrete blocks
      Timber
    • Universal design accessability
    • Multi-generational
    • Universal Design Features
    • Strong fittings like towel rails that can be used as hand rails
      Tapware to be easily accessed from outside the shower
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 5
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 3
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Edible garden
      Native plants
    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
HEALTHY HOME FEATURES
    • Healthy home features
    • Natural light and ventilation
Location
Toronto NSW 2283
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • Continual Improvement
    • Open with support of
    • Lake Macquarie City Council

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