Victorian home demonstrates grid resilience solution

Solahart was joined by the Minister for Climate Action, the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP, in the Yarra Ranges to demonstrate the success of Solar Victoria’s Residential Electrification Grants Program (SVREG) to drive the state’s grid resilience and save residents thousands through renewables.

SVREG is an Australian renewable energy initiative that aims to accelerate the adoption of solar and electrification in Victoria. The minister’s visit to the home of Wandin North residents Kevin and Nicola Johnson focused on Solahart’s Smart Home Energy Project (SHEP), a program within SVREG.

Since October 2024, eligible Victorian homeowners can access up to $2400 off smart solar technology and efficient water heating solutions, including the solar-smart electric water heater, Solahart PowerStore. In addition to reducing energy costs, it plays a role in addressing grid export restrictions, which otherwise would penalise users for excess solar power generation.

“The Residential Electrification Grants are helping more Victorians transition to all-electric homes, reducing their energy bills and easing cost-of-living pressures,” D’Ambrosio said.

Solahart Eastern Ranges Dealer Principal Mark Baker, who leads the SHEP rollout, said, “We’ve seen strong uptake of Solahart’s Smart Home Energy Project since its introduction in October, with more than 35 Victorian households embracing a range of technologies and setting themselves up to realise thousands in savings.

“This demonstrates the real-world impact of this program on Victorian families to access and invest in smart solar technology and take control of their energy usage, which has been made possible through the state government’s support.”

Semi-retirees Kevin and Nicola Johnson were eager to switch to solar to replace their aging gas systems and lower energy costs. However, the couple faced a significant challenge when their energy provider advised that the local infrastructure could not support further energy export from their street, meaning any excess solar energy they generated would be wasted.

When the couple heard about the introduction of SHEP to the SVREG, a potential solution to their energy hurdle, they contacted the team at Solahart Eastern Ranges. The couple not only saved $1000 on the installation of a Solahart PowerStore, which was integrated with a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), they received $1400 off their new 7.92 kW solar PV system. Their three-bedroom home now maximises onsite use of solar energy, resulting in zero export to the local grid.

“There’s no doubt that SHEP was the ideal solution for the Johnsons. The Solahart PowerStore effectively utilises the previously ‘lost’ export energy to provide efficient water heating. This means the couple can store the solar energy generated from their panels and use it to heat household water, saving thousands each year on energy bills — and contribute to a more stable energy grid,” Baker said.

Solahart General Manager Stephen Cranch said, “The SVREG represents the first time that the Solahart PowerStore has been recognised under a government-approved energy scheme in Australia. We applaud the Victorian Government for showing leadership by making this innovative smart electric water heating technology available for Victorian households to enjoy.”

For more information about the SVREG program, visit the website.

Image caption: Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio with homeowners Kevin and Nicola Johnson.