Bernard - Gold Coast, Queensland

Household

Most of the time it is just the two of us, my wife and I, at home. Throughout the year, however, we regularly have friends or family staying, so on average the household grows to around six people for about half the year. I also work from home several days a week and we are typically home most weekends.

Our home has the usual household energy needs, including a fully ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning system. We also run a pool with an electric heater, so managing energy consumption efficiently has always been important for us.

Our Solar Journey

We have actually had solar since 2007 - nearly 20 years now. In 2022 we upgraded our system, replacing the original panels and installing a battery with 1KOMMA5°.

Before the upgrade, our electricity bills had started to rise as the older panels approached the end of their life and their efficiency declined. Our goal was to become as self-sufficient as possible with our electricity use, so we looked for a provider who could properly assess our energy needs and recommend a system that would increase generation, add storage capacity, and remain cost-effective.

Because we had plenty of roof space available, the solution was to install additional panels along with a battery as part of a single integrated package.

Working with 1KOMMA5° 

Working with the 1KOMMA5° team was seamless from the start. Installing solar and battery storage is a significant investment, so it was important for us to clearly understand what system would best suit our home and what the expected outcomes would be.

The team quickly assessed our situation and provided a tailored recommendation.

One of our priorities was the visual impact of the panels - we wanted them positioned so they were not prominently visible from the street and the character of the home was preserved. Through careful roof placement, this was achieved perfectly.

The installation itself was impressive. The team completed the entire job neatly within a single day, including removing the old panels. Even better, we were able to repurpose the original panels through a vendor that specialises in reusing them, which was a great outcome.

The after-sales support has also been excellent. Whenever we have had questions - whether about solar storage, the wholesale electricity market, or how the battery supports key circuits during a grid outage - the team has always been patient, responsive, and helpful.  

The Benefits

Our main motivation for installing solar has always been energy independence.

On a sunny day, our system can comfortably run the pool pump, washing machine, dishwasher, and everything else operating in the home while still charging the battery. By the evening we are able to draw from the stored power, and typically still have capacity remaining the next morning.

The monitoring apps provide real-time insights into our generation and consumption, allowing us to plan when to use power and when to export electricity back to the grid.

It is satisfying to know that we are not only managing our own energy efficiently but also contributing a small amount back into the system.

Solar offers both independence and financial benefits. The payback period varies depending on system size and usage, but our system is tracking exactly as expected and the long-term savings are very attractive.

Living in the Gold Coast Hinterland means we’re surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, so sustainability matters to us. We see solar as an important part of Australia’s transition away from coal-fired power, and our rooftop system has served us well for nearly two decades and will continue to do so well into the future.

Reliability When It Matters Most 

Living in coastal Queensland also means dealing with frequent summer storms and occasional power outages. Knowing we have battery backup gives us real peace of mind. Essential circuits - lighting, refrigeration, and the ability to keep phones charged - continue operating even when the grid goes down. And yes, having the television running can be a bonus too.

A great example was Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which hit the Gold Coast in March 2025. The storm caused widespread damage, with destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Our mains power was cut for an entire week, and for some people it was even longer.

Despite the gloomy weather conditions that persisted in the aftermath, our solar panels continued generating power during the day and recharging the battery.

Thanks to the system, we were able to continue functioning relatively normally while many others were without electricity.

Family and friends saw the benefits firsthand during that time, and it has since inspired several people we know who are building new homes to include solar and battery systems from the start.