WHEN self-confessed nerd Nick Pfitzner became the first Australia resident to have a Tesla Powerwall installed, he expected to save some money when his electricity bill arrived.

However, he was shocked to discover just how efficient the highly anticipated home battery power storage unit had been.

After receiving his latest electricity bill in the post, Mr Pfitzner was pleased to see the amount to be paid was a mere $50.39 (Incl. GST).

Compare this to his previous bill for the same quarter last year and Mr Pfitzner was facing a bill totalling $660.77 (Incl. GST), which means his family had a saving more than 90 per cent.

“It’s an awesome feeling to see we are only paying an average of just $0.59 per day for our power usage,” he told news.com.au.

“I knew it would save me money, but I had never expected to see a saving that big.”

Each Powerwall has a 7 kWh energy storage capacity and works by using a solar panel to convert sunlight into electricity that charges the device.

“The inverter converts direct current electricity from solar panels, the grid and Powerwall into the alternating current used by your home’s lights, appliances and devices,” the website states.

Mr Pfitzner said the Powerwall not only saved his family money, but using a web portal to watch the usage has helped him develop an understanding of his family’s consumption.

“The web portal breaks down every five to 15 minutes of energy use, so I can usually tell the energy consumption of certain products and make informed lifestyle choices based from that,” he said.

“I feel like I have done a course on energy consumption because I have so much more knowledge.”

Managing Director of Natural Solar Chris Williams said when his company installed the Powerwall, he knew the Pfitzner’s would be pleased with the result.

“Australian homeowners are used to power bills surging year on year with an average increase of 120 per cent nationally in electricity prices over the last 10 years,” he said.

“It’s extraordinary to see such a significant decrease for the Pfitzner family.”

When installation of the $13,950 Tesla Powerwall was announced, many questioned if the savings would be worth the initial investment.

However, Mr Williams said it’s not a matter of time before they see a return on their investment and start seeing real savings.

“If the Pfitzner family keeps their energy consumption the same, they should expect to see a complete payback period of between six or seven years,” he said.

Mr Williams said there have been more than 22,000 people interested in getting a Tesla Powerwall since the first installation, with a large per cent of these following through.

“It’s still a new tech and as consumers become more aware of the savings and the value it can add to their homes, I am expecting to see more people coming on board,” he said.

Would you consider getting a Tesla Powerwall? Continue the conversation on Twitter @mattydunn11