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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/03/solar-power-and-a-compostable-toilet-what-it-takes-to-live-off-the-grid-in-regional-australia>
"It may not look like everyone’s idea of a dream home but for Tim Dakin this
converted shed in East Gippsland represents financial freedom and
self-sufficiency.
Located 7km out of the small town of Briagolong, the shed is now a comfortable
home. Dakin bought the property on a whim with his ex-wife more than two
decades ago, and has spent the past eight turning it into a fully off-the-grid
residence.
“We literally stumbled across this property that was advertised in Burger
Bill’s fish and chip shop in Briagolong, we met the owners then and there and
decided to buy the property on that day,” Dakin says.
Working in the arts, Dakin has never had a stable income. He says living
off-grid has given him a new sense of agency and control over his budget.
Off-grid homes have a growing appeal in regional Australia, thanks to rising
energy costs and the high cost of connecting a new build to mains power.
Reducing costs and addressing environmental concerns, by living a more
sustainable lifestyle, often go hand in hand.
But the upfront costs can be considerable.
Dakin was quoted up to $65,000 to build off-grid systems for his home. Instead
he installed a modest battery system, new solar panels and a small water pump
for about $20,000. He now runs his petrol generator only twice during winter,
down from once a week when he first moved in."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
