This was one of the first in the state.

What are the lessons from two decades of experience?

Would I make the same decision again?

In 2000 photovoltaic technology was expensive, although already tried and tested.

The Newcastle Herald reported that "the latest player in the multibillion-dollar power generation business has hooked his solar-powered house up to the national electricity grid".

My calculation was that installing photovoltaic panels and an inverter on my 90-year-old house in Singleton could provide close to 100 per cent renewable electricity, reduce electricity costs, and was a better investment than buying a new car.

It would also substantially reduce personal carbon emissions attributable to coal fired electricity generation.

The numbers from 20 years ago are informative.

The 12 x 75W panels gave 900W of electricity at an installation cost of $11,152 (including a government rebate of $4950), costing $12.39 per watt of installed capacity.

With electricity relatively cheap at the time, I estimated a 20-year payback time.

Dealing with the electricity provider was problematic for five years.

More than one bill charged me for the cost of the electricity that I had produced.

I spent hours correcting quarterly billing errors, as processes and operators either did not understand or could not issue correct accounts.

Four years after installation, the inverter stopped functioning. A replacement was provided, but also did not work.

I started doubting my decision.

After six months of no solar power production, the third inverter was installed, and continues to work flawlessly after 16 years.

Electricity tariff changes in led to cost increases, especially a higher service connection charge.

Then, in January 2010, a solar bonus scheme was introduced for seven years, with a 60c/kWh feed-in tariff as governments actively sought to encourage grid connected solar installation.

For this period, a new electricity meter was required and most electricity accounts were in credit.

Currently, about 70 per cent of electricity used in the house is generated from the roof, 75 per cent of the bill is for the supply charge, and 100 per cent is renewable as a result of electricity provider selection.

More importantly, the household has adapted to become a very low user of electricity.

This is the result of lifestyle choices, use of efficient appliances, and other renewable forms of energy used for hot water (solar) and space heating (wood).

IN THE NEWS:

The system cost me a total of $6202 to install and has operated for 20 years. With repair and maintenance costs about $400, and average power generation of around 2kWh a day, this gives a longer than originally anticipated financial payback of around 30 years.

The true evaluation though, is more complex, and includes not only installation cost or simple financial returns.

Comfort and well-being, environmental impact and self-reliance are of equal, or more relevance. Becoming aware of energy production and consumption, and taking personal responsibility has been a valuable lesson.

Making a difference to carbon emissions, albeit small, is satisfying.

Experience shows that how electricity is used and saved, is probably more important than generating it.

Installing energy efficient appliances, making lifestyle changes to reduce waste, and reducing unnecessary consumption are all essential parts of the energy and emission equation.

Although photovoltaic systems are now mainstream and cheap, the first installation was facilitated by a government grant.

Confusingly, the payback period changed over time, as electricity supply charges, usage tariffs and incentives, and providers varied, showing the importance of, and need for policy consistency.

Long-term thinking is essential.

While the technology has worked well, there are ongoing costs and owner responsibility and vigilance is required.

Appropriately designed houses to support efficient use and production of energy are essential.

Still working well after 20 years, the Hunter Valley's first domestic grid-connected photovoltaic panels represent a much better investment than buying a car.

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