As energy prices rise, an increased number of Australians are seeking renewable energy to increase their electricity supply, improve reliability, and reduce running costs in their homes, with off-grid homes presenting a unique opportunity to address these challenges.
In a positive trend for sustainability, more than one in five Australian homes now have solar panels, a number which is increasing at a rate of six new solar panels every minute, prompting one Australian builder to consider what other energy efficient, sustainable practices the average home could install.
G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul owner Josh Tyrrell said there was growing demand for off-grid homes, with customers in regional and now even suburban areas seeking long-term cost savings and energy independence associated with the build style.
“Off-grid homes are self-sufficient dwellings that offer a steady, renewable power supply through solar panels and battery storage for homeowners, typically these have been more popular in rural areas where grid power can be unreliable or costly, but we are now seeing demand for this in urban areas too,” Mr Tyrrell said
“We decided the best way to showcase the benefits of an off-grid home was to build two different display homes – we want to demonstrate that off-grid living isn’t just for farms or remote areas; anyone can start installing or building sustainably and seek independence from the grid.
“Both of these displays will feature all the design elements of a traditional home build with off grid features, but one will operate completely independently of the electrical grid, offering homeowners a look into the freedom and peace of mind that comes with energy independence.”
While the initial investment in off-grid technology can be higher, the long-term savings are potentially significant, with the technology enabling homeowners to reduce or eliminate electricity bills.
“While some customers are concerned about the upfront cost, we’re seeing that the benefits – especially for people in areas where grid power is expensive or unreliable – far outweigh the investment,” Mr Tyrrell said.
“Off-grid living is a smart choice for anyone looking to take control of their energy needs, making them less vulnerable to energy price fluctuations or disruptions in the power supply – and as an added bonus it’s better for the environment too.”
G.J. Gardner Homes Chief Executive Officer Trent Gardner said one of the main benefits of being a franchise builder was drawing on the innovative thinking of its network of close to 100 builders to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
“We love seeing our franchises think outside the box and address customer requests and trends head on, it allows us to stay ahead of the market when considering customer modifications,” Mr Gardner said.
“These off-grid display homes will be a great demonstration of how off-grid living can be both an accessible and reliable option for all Australians.”
G.J Gardner Homes Warragul currently has two display homes under construction – set to open in June 2025 – which will feature solar panels, battery storage, and no gas supply, demonstrating how modern, energy-efficient living can be integrated into everyday life.
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