The Queensland community putting a stop to power bills

Imagine saying goodbye to power bills for good.

That’s the reality for one savvy group of neighbours on the Gold Coast, embracing cutting-edge solar power technology.

Residents at the new over-50s “Halcyon Greens” development at Pimpama are not paying a single cent for electricity, by running their homes entirely off giant batteries. 

The Tesla Powerwall charges up during the day, via solar panels installed on the roofs of the properties.

“So once the sun’s down, you’re still living off the grid,” said Halcyon Green project director Scott Ng.

Resident Barry Dempsey was one of the first to move into the estate.  

At his previous home, quarterly power bills would sting him around $700.

“Initially you’re paying quite a sum of money (for the solar system) but I worked it out and the return I’m hoping to get back within five years,” Mr Dempsey said.

Around 30 percent of buyers at the estate have already opted to have the system fitted, with the developer subsiding the cost by up to 40 percent — meaning the set-up can cost as little as $9500.

Residents can also then sell excess power back to the grid.

“I think in five years’ time, you’ll find that every new home will come with a battery,” Mr Ng said.

“It lowers our carbon footprint but also helps the hip-pocket.”