Electrification Savings Calculator
What is home electrification?
Home electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel appliances (gas heating, petrol vehicles) with electric alternatives, often powered by renewable energy sources like solar. The financial viability of electrification depends on multiple factors including upfront equipment costs, installation expenses, local energy prices, and how much renewable energy generation you have or plan to install.
Electric appliances and vehicles typically have different cost structures than their fossil fuel counterparts - often higher upfront costs but potentially lower running costs, especially when powered by solar. Our electrification calculator helps you compare the total cost of ownership and model the financial impact of these changes based on your specific situation.
Key considerations when evaluating electrification:
Running costs - Electric appliances can have lower operating costs than gas or petrol equivalents, particularly when powered by solar, though upfront costs may be higher.
Environmental impact - Electric appliances powered by renewables produce zero direct emissions, though manufacturing and grid electricity sources should also be considered.
Efficiency - Heat pumps and EVs are typically more efficient than fossil fuel alternatives, converting more of the input energy into useful output.
Energy independence - Solar generation combined with batteries and electric appliances can reduce grid reliance, though the economics depend on local grid rates and solar generation capacity.
Use the calculator below to compare costs and see how electrification might affect your energy expenses based on your specific situation, local energy prices, and usage patterns.
Electrification Savings Calculator
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Solar Power
Electric vehicles represent a significant electrification upgrade, though they typically cost more upfront than equivalent petrol vehicles. However, when charged from solar power, EVs can reduce transport running costs by 70-90% compared to petrol vehicles. The financial equation depends on factors including purchase price, local fuel costs, electricity rates, and how much charging is done from solar versus the grid.
Use the calculator above to compare the total cost of ownership between electric and petrol vehicles based on your specific situation. When paired with solar, the running cost savings can be substantial, especially if you charge during daylight hours when solar generation is highest.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Heat pump hot water systems are 3-4x more efficient than gas or electric resistance systems, though they typically have higher upfront costs. When powered by solar, they can significantly reduce hot water running costs compared to gas systems. The financial benefit depends on installation costs, local energy prices, and how much of the system's operation is covered by solar generation.
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the surrounding air, making them much more efficient than traditional systems that generate heat directly. In moderate to warm climates, heat pumps are particularly effective and can be powered entirely by solar during daylight hours, reducing operating costs substantially.
Heating and Cooling with Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can replace gas heating systems and provide both heating and cooling functions, making them versatile year-round solutions suitable for most climates. While heat pump systems may have higher upfront costs than gas heating, they typically offer lower running costs, especially when paired with solar power.
The financial comparison between gas heating and heat pumps depends on installation costs, local energy prices, climate, and how much solar generation covers the system's operation. Use the calculator above to model the cost difference based on your specific situation and energy usage patterns.
Induction Cooking
Induction cooktops offer faster heating and more precise temperature control than gas, while eliminating indoor air pollution from gas combustion. Combined with solar power, cooking energy costs can be significantly reduced. However, induction cooktops typically cost more upfront than gas cooktops.
The cost comparison between gas and induction cooking depends on purchase price, installation costs, local energy rates, and usage patterns. Use the calculator above to compare the total cost of ownership and see how solar power affects the equation.
Electrification Rebates and Incentives
Many governments worldwide offer rebates and incentives to encourage electrification. These may include rebates for heat pump hot water systems, electric vehicle purchase incentives, tax credits for solar installations, and various energy efficiency programs. Check with your local government and utility providers to see what incentives are available in your area.
When evaluating electrification options, consider both upfront costs and potential rebates or incentives. The calculator above can help you model the financial impact of these incentives on your total cost of ownership calculations.
Evaluating Electrification for Your Home
Electrification involves replacing fossil fuel appliances with electric alternatives, often powered by renewable energy sources like solar. The financial viability of electrification depends on multiple factors including upfront equipment costs, installation expenses, local energy prices, available incentives, and how much renewable energy generation you have or plan to install.
Beyond financial considerations, electrification can reduce carbon emissions and improve indoor air quality by eliminating gas combustion. As electrical grids worldwide become increasingly powered by renewables, the environmental benefits of electric appliances continue to grow over time. Use the calculator above to evaluate the financial equation for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to run electric appliances than gas?
In most cases, yes — especially when powered by solar. Heat pumps are 3–4× more efficient than gas heaters, so even at similar energy rates they cost less to run. EVs typically cost 3–5× less per kilometre (or mile) than petrol or gas vehicles at home electricity rates. The biggest savings come when you pair electric appliances with rooftop solar, effectively running them on free energy during the day.
What appliances should I electrify first?
The highest-impact switches are usually: (1) Hot water — a heat pump hot water system replaces gas at 3–4× the efficiency and can be scheduled to run during solar hours. (2) Heating/cooling — a reverse-cycle heat pump replaces gas heating and adds cooling. (3) Vehicle — switching from petrol to EV typically delivers the largest running cost saving, especially with solar charging. Induction cooking has the lowest cost impact but offers safety and air quality benefits.
How much solar do I need to power electric appliances?
A typical 5–8 kW residential solar system generates 20–35 kWh/day depending on your climate and location — enough to cover most household electricity including a heat pump hot water system, heating/cooling, and daily EV commuting. If you electrify everything and add an EV, you may want 8–10 kW of solar plus a home battery to maximise self-consumption and minimise grid imports.
Are there rebates for electrification?
Many governments offer incentives. In Australia, STC rebates reduce solar and battery costs, and some states offer heat pump and EV rebates. The UK has the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps. The US Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits for heat pumps, EVs, and solar. Check your local government and utility provider for current programs — the calculator above can help you model the financial impact with and without rebates.
Can I model the complete system?
This calculator gives quick per-appliance comparisons. For a complete picture — solar panels, home battery, EV, heat pump, and tariffs all working together — use the Photonik design tool. It models hourly energy flows, bill savings, payback period, and self-sufficiency with all your real inputs.