EV Charges, Commercial Solar & Batteries: Cost Analysis and Financial Benefit
In the increasingly eco-conscious landscape, businesses, property owners, and strata managements are turning to integrated energy solutions to align with public perception and achieve their sustainability goals.
From 2030 onwards, the majority of new cars sold in Australia will be electric, and the integrated approach combines electric vehicle (EV) chargers, commercial solar panels, and battery storage systems, all managed by a smart system.
The system ensures that solar power generation, building energy consumption, and the charging demands of connected EVs are balanced effectively. This means that the entire site receives a consistent and adequate supply of energy, making the system both efficient and practical for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
Financial Analysis and Benefits of Integrated Energy Solutions
The integration of EV chargers, commercial solar, and battery storage presents a comprehensive approach to energy management and sustainability. While costs will vary for an entire system depending on size, capacity and the technology, you’ll generally get the best ROI when they work together.
EV Chargers
For businesses including strata managed properties, installing an EV charger involves advanced technology that not only manages the charging process but also handles the electrical load of the site and provides billing solutions. This ensures a smooth and efficient experience for both the service provider and the user.
Upfront Costs: The initial costs for EV chargers can vary widely depending on the type and capacity. For example, basic home chargers might cost a few hundred dollars, while commercial-grade fast chargers can run into several thousand.
Savings and Benefits: In Tasmania, the adoption of EVs and charging infrastructure is on the rise, with over 240 EV charging stations as of November 2023. The Tasmanian Government supports this with incentives like cheaper registration fees and grants for charging infrastructure, contributing to a growing number of publicly available charging stations each year.
Additionally, under the expanded $50 million Energy Saver Loan Scheme, households and businesses transitioning to electric vehicles can receive assistance with purchasing home charging infrastructure.
Commercial Solar
The uptake of commercial solar in Tasmania is supported by the favourable climate; an average of 3.5 sun hours during the day, and the cooler temperature which enhance solar panel efficiency. This means a well-installed 6.6kW system in Hobart can generate around 8,400kWh of electricity annually, making solar an increasingly attractive investment for Tasmanian businesses
Upfront Costs: While a typical residential solar installation can range from AUD $3,000 to $10,000 per kW installed, commercial systems are larger and more expensive. In Australia, 30kW solar power systems are becoming increasingly popular for small to medium businesses, offering attractive returns with payback periods typically ranging from 3 to 5 years. In Tasmania, the average cost for such a system is around $27,000 to $30,000.
Savings and Benefits: Solar installations can significantly reduce energy bills and even generate revenue through feed-in tariffs for excess energy production. The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides financial incentives in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar installations in Australia.
Battery Storage
While installing solar panels is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint, incorporating a solar battery into your system can significantly enhance this impact, often more than doubling the reduction in your carbon emissions.
Upfront Costs: The cost of battery storage systems varies based on capacity and technology. They are often paired with solar installations to maximise energy use and savings. The cost of residential solar batteries typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per kWh of installed capacity, depending on factors such as brand, size, and location. For example, a larger 18kWh battery system can cost upwards of $25,000.
Savings and Benefits: Batteries store excess solar energy for use when solar production is low, reducing reliance on the grid and further lowering energy costs. They can also provide backup power during outages and help manage peak demand charges.
Overall Financial Benefits
Investing in EV chargers, commercial solar, and batteries can offer long-term savings through reduced energy bills, potential revenue from excess energy production, and increased property values.
The average payback period for these investments in Australia can range from 3 to 10 years, depending on factors such as system size, energy consumption patterns, and government incentives. This is particularly relevant in Tasmania, where the uptake of EVs and renewable energy is supported by government initiatives and a growing network of EV charging infrastructure.
Property Value Impact
Investing in property with renewable energy technologies is becoming increasingly attractive for both property values and buyer preferences. Consider this:
Increased Property Values: Properties with renewable energy installations, such as solar panels, tend to have higher resale values. This is due to reduced operating costs and the appeal of environmentally-friendly features to potential buyers.
Buyer Preferences: There is a growing trend among buyers to prefer properties equipped with renewable energy technologies. This preference is driven by the cost savings and environmental benefits associated with these technologies, as well as the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging options at home.
"Sixty Six" North Hobart
The building, design and architecture industry is the new frontier for minimising our environmental impact.
Sackett Services has been involved with a number of sustainable commercial builds that we are extremely proud of.
66 Burnett Street, North Hobart
The "Sixty Six" project at 66 Burnett Street in North Hobart is a contemporary apartment building designed with sustainability in mind. It boasts a 7+ star energy rating and incorporates features such as bicycle amenities and low-impact transport options in the parking garage.
Sackett Services contribution to the project works:
The team at Sackett's are committed to working with businesses for sustainable and energy efficient solutions for Tasmanians.
If you would like to work with Sackett on your commercial EV, and solar system project, we’d love to hear from you. Call us today.
Sackett Services · Trading as Sackett Services Pty Ltd
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Unit 4/5 Runway Place Cambridge Tasmania Australia 7170
Phone: 03 6272 7776
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