Steffi

Grandmother, Mother, Songwriter, Retired Flower Farmer, former Volunteer
Social Worker (BSW), former Disengaging Young Adults Songwriting Mentor, former
Proofreader, former Aged Homecare Worker, former band member, former
Waitress/Traveller.

In 1992, my partner and I purchased an off-grid 2-bedroom mud brick and stone house outside Castlemaine The house already had a 300-watt solar system and about six enormous discarded Telecom batteries that needed regular water top-ups. These batteries lived in a purpose-built shed alongside a noisy, petrol-guzzling generator. Over time, we extended the house, added solar hot water (which proved challenging due to frost), and increased our solar system’s capacity by another kilowatt.

We weathered the Millennial drought, which persisted for over a decade. During this time, the creeks and permanent springs in the area dried up, leading me to believe that climate change had already arrived. Determined to minimize our impact, we lived off-grid for about 12 years.

However, as our teenage daughter needed to be closer to town, we eventually moved into an on grid partially solar passive house. We made minor renovations, including adding more north-facing windows. On the roof, we installed a 4.5-kilowatt solar system, and despite the challenges, we also incorporated solar hot water (thanks to rebates available at the time).

Seeking refuge from the drought, I found work on a small flower farm in Johanna. The climate and topography there resembled what I was accustomed to: wind, rain, hills, forests, and ocean. Initially, my installer Mick Guest advised against solar due to the abundance of trees. However, when I moved there permanently, Mick installed four mini inverters that captured sunlight from all directions, effectively powering the 3.5-kilowatt system. I pruned the trees, and everything worked seamlessly. I also added a second-hand wood stove with a wet back for hot water and installed a large holding tank with future plans for hydronic heating. To brighten up the dark 1940s farmhouse, I included four north-facing windows.
Unfortunately, in late 2016, circumstances forced me to leave the farmhouse. Fortunately, I found an even more solar passive house in Marengo, featuring large east and north-facing double-glazed windows. With Mick’s help, I added another 3.5-kilowatt solar system and a 7-kilowatt battery. I replaced the gas fire with a reverse cycle heating/cooling system, and a heat pump took over from the instantaneous gas hot water system. Admittedly, the heat pump can be noisy and heats water unnecessarily, but it’s a trade-off.

A couple of years ago, I installed a Nectre oven/stove for added warmth and winter cooking. Despite its environmental impact, I only occasionally use it because the house, with its abundant sunlight through the double-glazed windows, warms up quickly. I agree that sustainable solar passive housing should be more regulated—it’s a no-brainer, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer while significantly reducing heating and cooling costs.
Recently, I attempted to complete my transition away from gas by purchasing an induction cooktop (my oven is already electric). Unfortunately, the local shop was sold out, but I remain hopeful. As for my bucket list, I finally fulfilled my dream of owning an electric car in 2019. I opted for the shop demo model of the Hyundai Kona EV, which boasts an impressive range of 557 kilometers. Despite some regional infrastructure challenges, I have no regrets about going fully electric. The cities may be better equipped, but we’re making progress!

Both my house battery and my car battery have been recalled and replaced. As an early adopter, I understand that this is part of the process, and it has significantly extended their guarantees. I’m not complaining about it. When I asked if I could give the car battery to an interested friend, I was told a firm “no.” Apparently, they needed a crane to move the battery, which weighed around 600 or 800 kilograms (I can’t quite remember). However, they assured me that the battery would be recycled. I haven’t fact-checked this yet.

On the bright side, I pay almost nothing for my home electricity, and I have no petrol costs. My home solar system covers 95% of my car’s energy needs, thanks to its long range. The annual service costs me about $150-220, and in the five years I’ve owned the electric vehicle, I haven’t needed any repairs except for a windscreen rubber replacement.

While financial benefits weren’t my primary reason for choosing solar and an electric vehicle, they have been a welcome bonus. I am disappointed that Australian governments haven’t done more to encourage the adoption of emission-reducing technology and haven’t offered better deals or loans for those who can’t afford the current costs of going solar or buying an electric vehicle.