Once you get used to living by the rhythm of the sun, running the washing machine at the lowest electricity rate or charging the car with energy produced from your own roof, the old way soon feels unthinkable. Enefit customer Helen shares her experience of how making the most of renewable energy has become a lifestyle for the whole family.
You have two different solutions at your homes – solar panels and a solar roof?
In 2019, we installed an Estonian-made solar roof on our summer house to produce green electricity for the entire holiday complex. Inspired by this, a year later we also wanted to start generating electricity on our home’s roof. Since the tiled roof on the house was in good condition, we opted for solar panels. When comparing these two solutions, the difference is purely aesthetic and architectural – both generate plenty of green electricity and serve the same function.
How has the early installation of solar panels paid off?
We have a small producer contract with Enefit, and before the end of 2020 a subsidy was available for solar plant installers. As a result, this investment has proved worthwhile both financially and emotionally. In the summer months, our electricity bills are close to zero or even negative, as we generate more electricity than we consume. We only pay extra during the coldest heating months.
Have you also added a storage solution to your energy production?
Yes, we have had batteries in our system from the very beginning. Since the electricity price fluctuates a lot, a solar solution without batteries does not make sense. During the day, the batteries charge up, and after sunset the house uses electricity from the batteries for as long as it lasts. If there is a shortfall, the system automatically draws electricity from the network until the sun rises again the next morning. We also use electricity management software, which intelligently directs electricity into storage or back into use depending on the price.
How has self-generation of energy changed your family’s everyday life?
We really do live in harmony with the sun. For example, we charge the car during zero or negative price hours, and we schedule other planned electricity use (the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher) at the times when electricity is most affordable. Even the children know to ask: ‘Hey, when should I run the washing machine today?’
Did the decision to buy an electric car come from the opportunity to charge it with self-generated electricity?
Driving a petrol car had made me feel guilty for years. Firstly, I find the smell of petrol unpleasant, and burning it for driving around just doesn’t feel sensible. So three years ago I was over the moon when we bought an electric car! I no longer have to smell petrol, and I now have my own charging station at home. The brighter the sun shines, the happier I am to charge, because I know exactly where the fuel comes from. With smart planning, it is possible to make your journeys at close to zero cost, especially when travelling between the city and the country home.
Have you ever had to run on the last few per cent of your battery?
I haven’t had to experience range anxiety, because even if a fully charged battery at home wouldn’t quite get me to my destination, the public charging infrastructure across Estonia is well developed. I recommend that every new electric car buyer first think through their charging logistics – at home, at work, at friends’ places and in the public network – so that it conveniently fits into their everyday routes.
How do you look back on this journey towards renewable energy and the decisions you’ve made – also financially?
I would never again build a house without solar panels or buy a petrol car. All our friends who have also installed solar panels and bought electric cars have been more than satisfied. It is only through personal experience that you truly realise how valuable it is.
Acquiring renewable energy solutions is costly, but I see it as a worthwhile investment. Solar panels, an electric car and batteries do not add any extra effort to everyday life, and living in an environmentally friendly way is simple once it has been planned wisely.
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Helen Anijalg is an entrepreneur and environmentally conscious individual whose favourite moment every morning is enjoying a cup of coffee made with solar energy. She is a mother of three and a green-fingered gardener who loves sunflowers and marigolds. She produces electricity on her roof, grows herbs in her garden, and constantly develops her skills and knowledge in her professional life. She is an export mentor at Tehnopol, advises various start-up founders and often appears on conference stages. From 2026, she will head the Rohetiiger Foundation.
Helen is developing a new concept, the Wellbeing Camps, together with her partners. Everyone has the opportunity to visit South Estonia to explore this holiday complex and its solar system, recharge their own batteries and, if needed, also their electric car with solar energy.
