OFF-GRID EFFICIENCY

We’ve gone entirely off-grid for about R100 000, much less than some of the systems I read about in the letters pages last year. The system works fantastically well, enabling us to use all normal household appliances, workshop tools and various other items. The system is made up of Victron equipment and Pylontech Li-ion batteries. Our stove and water heaters operate on gas, which are energy efficient, and in my opinion better than solar geysers.

My wife and I designed and built a new eco-friendly farmhouse using the Finbuild system of casting concrete block walls in place. This saved us a lot on contractors’ fees, bricklayers and other costs. We are entirely off-grid, harvesting rain water from our roofs, and operating on solar electricity. NICK LIVESEY

I think you’re living my dream, Nick! Nicely done on the off-grid set-up, and the construction of your house. – Mark, Editor