A Moruya landlord says putting solar panels on a rental property has landed sunny-side up for both parties.
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Kathryn Maxwell and Thomas Schild built a pre-fabricated solar-powered home, which sells excess power to the electricity grid.
The decision has been a boon for their tenant, even in winter.
"Because we have put a fairly large solar system on the roof, our tenant is always in credit," Ms Maxwell said.
"She was paying at least $100 per month for electricity and now she does not have to pay anything."
Excess power from the panels is diverted to heat water, tanks capture rainwater, grey water is treated and the sustainable design reduces heating and cooling costs.
"It is warm in winter and easy to keep cool in summer; It is very comfortable house," Ms Maxwell said.
The couple lives nearby in an older home retrofitted with sustainable elements, including double-glazed windows. You can see these and other sustainable homes in the Eurobodalla Shire on Sunday, September 15 from 10am-4pm when Sustainable House Day powers up.
Sustainable home designer Paul Dolphin will open his Malua Bay house and detached studio/office.
Visitors to last year's event will see some changes.
"We have done quite a lot more, including building a detached studio/office with loads of really cool features, including reclaimed timber from the old motel and petrol station that has been demolished in Malua Bay," Mr Dolphin said.
"Our house is solar passive, and carbon positive, we have a solar system and battery that means we not only live carbon neutrally but also offset another entire house."
John Bourne will show his solar-passive "Cloud View"' home in Moruya.
Sustainable elements of homes on display include:
- solar passive design to take advantage of warmth, but protect residents from heat and wind.
- rooftop and ground mounted solar
- off-grid living
- rainwater tanks
- insulation
- double glazing
- innovative building materials and design
- LED lighting
- energy efficient appliances
- worm farm waste systems
- Interactive shadow angle display
- draught proofing.
More than 250 homeowners nationwide will take part on Sunday.
Established in 2001, Sustainable House Day is a national event. It aims to inspire people to live sustainably, showing them how to lower energy bills, live comfortably and help the environment through good home design, clever retrofitting practices and technology.
Visitors must register at www.sustainablehouseday.com to obtain addresses.
