Hamlyn Heights couple Colin Mockett and Shirley Power are on track to complete the journey to carbon neutrality they began 21 years ago.
“We decided earlier this year we were going to come out of this lockdown with something positive,” Colin told the Independent.
The couple decided to “get off the gas” by replacing – and recycling – the solar roof panels they first installed in 2000.
“We received a government subsidy for the battery, which is the key because you don’t make much money for the electricity that you sell back onto the grid,” Colin said.
“But if you’re able to store the extra energy, you can use it later.”
Increasing their solar capacity from 1.5 kilowatts to 5.5kw allowed them to replace their “worn gas cooker” with an electric stove and their gas fire heater with a reverse-cycle air conditioner.
The couple have also bought more energy-efficient appliances over the years, replaced their lights with LEDs and improved the insulation in their 1950s weatherboard house.
“The final part, which happened five weeks ago, was changing our water heating from solar and gas to [fully-solar],” Colin said.
“We installed our first solar system in 2000 because we were quite aware then that global warming was a threat. Now it’s a crisis.
“We’re just doing our small bit.”
Geelong Sustainability will hold an online forum for next Wednesday for locals seeking to get off gas with My Efficient Electric Home founder Tim Forcey.
The former fossil fuel industry chemical engineer now helps Australians make their homes more carbon neutral.
Details: geelongsustainability.org.au/cleverliving
Luke Voogt
