Local resident electrifies his whole block
Chatswood resident Brian Peck has electrified his Freeman Road 48-unit apartment block, saving residents a lot of money and reducing their carbon footprint.
Mr Peck made the decision as part of his commitment to living a greener, healthier lifestyle. He spearheaded two major capital works; a 30kW rooftop solar PV system to supply much of the electricity required for the common areas, and an industrial electric heat pump for all residents’ hot water.
Following advice from an independent consultant, a 30kW solar system was installed in September 2021 at a cost of about $36,000. The residential Owner’s Corporation paid for the solar system out of contributions, and it will be paid back in just over three years.
To maximise the excess electricity that the solar system was producing, Mr Peck installed an energy-efficient electric heat pump hot water system in October last year. The $80,000 pump now provides hot water for all 48 units.
“Almost all solar power produced in excess of the other common needs is now being used to run the heat pump,” Mr Peck says. “Given the minimal amount we were being paid to export that excess electricity to the grid, this is a much more cost-effective option.
“Residents are saving money because the Owners’ Corporation is now paying for water heating, meaning that residents can eliminate the hot-water components of their gas bills.”
By helping to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and energy bills for all residents, Mr Peck says he has shown that it is possible for a mid-size apartment building to electrify.
As a climate activist, Mr Peck is considering his next project for the block of units. “I would ideally love to have a charging point (for electric vehicles) at every car space,” he says.
“Step-by-step changes can make a big impact.”