Coorparoo Solar & Battery Upgrade | Brisbane Residential Case Study

When Chris approached Open Electrical, he already had solar installed at his Coorparoo home in Brisbane. However, his existing system was underperforming for his needs, with electricity bills reaching more than $300 per month.

With retirement approaching, Chris wanted greater control over his ongoing energy costs while also future proofing his home for increased electricity use, including an electric vehicle and pool heating.

Rather than starting again, our team assessed his existing solar system and designed an upgrade that could build on what was already there.

The System

Location: Coorparoo, Brisbane QLD 4151
Project: Existing solar system expansion
Additional Solar: 8.8kW
Battery Storage: 32.24kWh
Battery: Sigenergy
Property Type: Residential

Adding Solar and Battery Storage to an Existing System

Chris wasn't simply looking to install a battery. He wanted a long term energy solution designed around both his existing solar system and how his home's electricity needs were likely to change.

Open Electrical expanded the existing system with an additional 8.8kW of solar and 32.24kWh of Sigenergy battery storage, giving Chris greater ability to generate, store and use his own solar energy.

Since the upgrade, those future energy requirements have already started to become a reality.

Chris has purchased an electric vehicle that he charges at home and added a pool heater, increasing the home's overall electricity consumption.

Despite the additional loads, Chris has seen electricity bills drop from more than $300 per month to as low as $7.49, with bills around $40 during peak winter.

Choosing Long Term Value Over the Cheapest Quote

For Chris, choosing a solar and battery installer wasn't about finding the cheapest quote.

“I wasn't looking for the cheapest price. I was looking for a true partner.”

He wanted a company that would take the time to assess his existing system, determine how it could be improved and design a solar and battery solution capable of supporting his home for the next decade and beyond.

Having the installation completed by Open Electrical's own team was another important part of his decision.

“It was about having the confidence and the trust. Quality of the workmanship was second to none.”

A Tailored Solar & Battery Installation

Every existing solar system and home is different, which meant Chris's upgrade needed to be designed around the property rather than approached as a standard installation.

During the installation, our team identified two possible ways to complete part of the work. While one approach would have been cheaper, we chose the more expensive option because we believed it would provide the better result at no additional cost to Chris.

It was something Chris specifically remembered from his installation experience.

“I wanted a great system at really good value, and that's what I got.”

Ongoing Solar & Battery Monitoring

Our support didn't stop once Chris's solar and battery installation was complete.

Chris later received an email from Open Electrical letting him know that his system had been remotely monitored and was operating without errors, something he hadn't realised was part of the ongoing support.

“That remote monitoring I wasn't even aware of. That was a real bonus.”

The Results: Lower Bills, EV Charging & Greater Energy Control

Chris's Coorparoo solar and battery upgrade is a great example of how an existing solar system can be expanded around a household's changing energy requirements.

Today, his home has an additional 8.8kW of solar and 32.24kWh of Sigenergy battery storage, while also supporting home EV charging and pool heating.

Most importantly, the upgrade has given Chris what he was looking for heading into retirement: greater control over his household energy use and significantly reduced reliance on expensive grid electricity.

Even with the home's increased electricity requirements, Chris has seen bills fall from more than $300 per month to as little as $7.49.

Looking to Add a Battery to Your Existing Solar System in Brisbane?

Already have solar but considering adding battery storage, expanding your solar system or preparing your home for an EV?

An existing solar system doesn't necessarily mean starting again.

Open Electrical can assess your current setup, household electricity usage and future energy requirements to design a tailored solar and battery upgrade for your South East Queensland home.

Enquire with Open Electrical for a tailored solar and battery assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add a battery to an existing solar system?

In many cases, yes. Battery storage can often be added to an existing solar system, although the right solution depends on your current solar panels, inverter, switchboard, household electricity usage and what you want your battery to achieve.

Can an existing solar system be expanded?

Depending on the existing equipment, available roof space and electrical setup, an existing solar system may be able to be expanded. Chris's Coorparoo installation is an example of an existing system being assessed and built upon rather than completely replaced.

What size solar battery do I need?

The right battery size depends on factors including your electricity consumption, existing solar generation, evening and overnight usage, backup requirements and future energy needs such as EV charging, pool heating or increased household electricity consumption.