Sustainable House Day, Bessibelle, Victoria

Bessibelle Off-Grid House

The main goal of this house was to be off-grid. This has become far more efficient since a new solar PV system with battery bank has been installed.

Climate zone: Portland

This is a relocated off-grid home which was recently retro fitted with a solar PV system to eliminate the need for a diesel generator.

Unique Sustainable Elements featured in this home

Water Harvesting Systems
The house is in a remote regional location, and as such is fully water independent with rainwater harvesting and large storage tanks.

A septic system processes all of the house’s wastewater.

House
The house was relocated to this location 15-16 years ago, and has never been connected to the grid. For years the power source has been a diesel powered generator.

Roof
A light coloured iron roof, with recently retro fitted roof insulation.

Solar or Wind Power Generation
A 2.1KW solar PV array provides energy to the house to power al of the house’s needs. Surplus energy is stored in deep cycle batteries. All power is connected to the house through a 240 volt inverter, so that the house uses regular AC appliances.

So far the operation of the new solar system has required virtually no diesel backup generation. This will save the owners approximately $3,500 per year on diesel costs, which is a huge saving, as well as being clean renewable energy.

Heating and Cooling
The house has a refurbished second hand wood heater for heating, and an air conditioner which is powered by the solar array for summer cooling. The house is also currently being retrofitted with doubled glazed windows.

Efficient Appliances
The house has many low energy appliances, such as a 5 Star fridge. These are needed to ensure the solar generated power can meet the owner’s needs.

Recycled and/or Sustainable Materials
Much of the house is fitted with furniture made from recycled timber, which has been hand made by the owner.