Technology for the transition:  Solar, home batteries, and EVs

Sustainable House Day is an event from Renew that provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them.

Following a day of open-home tours around the country on 21st April 2024, a month of Extension Sessions offer a deep dive into a range of sustainability topics. Australia's best architects, designers, tradespeople and experts will offer guidance, and homeowners will offer first hand experience. If you're considering a sustainable build or renovation, this series is for you, with lots of time for Q&A. 

You can book for this session independently, or grab an Extension Session Pass to attend the whole series at a discounted price. Members of Renew receive a further discount on Extension Session passes. Feel free to take out a membership or subscription to Renew or Sanctuary magazine before you book to access the discount!

Session 5: Technology for the transition:  Solar, home batteries, EV’s

In this session we're digging into a favourite topic at Renew: sustainable tech. We will cover everything that you need to know when considering rooftop solar, home battery storage, and electric vehicles. You’ll learn what setup would suit your home and lifestyle, and key considerations to make the return-on-investment stack up.

An expert panel of leading sustainable architects and experts will offer guidance and advice, with plenty of time for questions.

Featuring:

Bryce Gaton, The Driven – EV Choice Consulting

Bryce Gaton is passionate about all things electric vehicles. He has more than 15 years experience with EVs, and currently writes for TheDriven, runs the EV transition support consultancy EV Choice and is the EV electrical safety trainer/build safety supervisor for Melbourne University’s FSAE EV race team. Bryce regularly writes for Renew magazine.

Lily Pejik, Owner, Sydney Solar and Batteries  

Lily Pejik commenced her Electrical career in 2007 and today regularly consults with builders, architects and high-end commercial builders with a focus on sustainable and energy efficiency. She has passion and purpose for the community and the environment and busily runs her company Sydney Solar and Batteries. She is one of the founding members of Australian Women in Solar Energy a not-for-profit organisation who do community projects such as solar and battery systems for women's shelters.

Mike McCluskey, Homeowner - Mikes House 

Mike McCluskey is the homeowners of Mike's House - a featured home of SHD 2024. Constructed in 2012, this north-facing, fully insulated off-grid home features double-glazed windows throughout. Originally equipped with gas-boosted solar hot water and a gas cooktop, heating relied on wood stoves, and inefficient electric heaters. Upgrades include increased Solar PVC capacity, and a heat pump space heater significantly reducing need for wood heating. Also off-grid electric vehicle and electric ATV, both charged via 15 amp outlet from solar and batteries. Plans include an induction cooktop and adding a hot water heat pump increasing efficiency.

Hosted by:

Dean Lombard, Energy Advisor, Energesis

Dean Lombard is an energy advisor and social worker who worked in community development before spending nearly two decades in energy consumer advocacy and policy development for the Victorian Council of Social Service and Renew, working on issues such as household energy efficiency and fuel choice, consumer empowerment and protections, tariff reform, and energy system transformation. Currently he advises energy businesses on customer engagement and renewable energy integration, and helps deliver Renew's Sustainable Expert Series of Council events.

Tickets

• You can purchase a ticket to this event individually, or consider an Extension Session Pass, giving you access to all of our Extension Sessions at a discounted price.
• Sustainable House Day is an event by Renew. Members of Renew can access a discounted Extension Session Pass.
• You will receive the link to attend the session the day before the event.
• This session will take place on Zoom. If you need to download Zoom, you can do so here.
• We have a limited number of free tickets available for those experiencing financial difficulty. As these tickets are limited, please select them if you would otherwise be unable to attend. 

Our sponsors

Sustainable House Day wouldn't be possible without our amazing sponsors, we are so grateful for their support. Gold Sponsors: NSW Architects Registration Board. Silver Sponsors: Bank Australia, Witchcliffe Ecovillage. Bronze Sponsors: Cargocylces, Envirotecture, and Light House Architecture and Science.

Pictured here is Straithouse by EME Design, a SHD2023 featured house.