Bryanston resident off the grid, and loving it
BRYANSTON - After 15 years in her beautiful Bryanston home, resident Jane Mckenzie has successfully transformed her house into a property driven by renewable energy and solar power.
Completely off the grid and separate from the country’s power crisis, she began her journey by removing all alien vegetation from her property giving indigenous plants an abundance of water and a wealth of healthy foliage for insects. She said, “I set about removing all the aliens, the blue gums, the syringas and wattles. And the minute I did that, the earth changed and the energy around the indigenous changed.”
In 2007, when the problem of load shedding was at a high, she decided to transform her home into a fully functioning solar powered dwelling, which began with the installation of solar geysers and a gas stove. She said she started off slowly, beginning with the usage of energy-efficient light bulbs throughout her whole house.
Mckenzie said she believes that though most houses to do not have to remove themselves off the power grid immediately, residents should find ways to gradually embrace different sources of renewable energy.
Today her home is powered by photo-voltaic panels which feeds electricity to her lights and geyser, and will be inviting members of the local community to view her home on 21 March, from 10am to 4pm, while educating them on the benefits of renewable energy.
Cost: R580 includes the seminar, lunch and afternoon tea
To book a seat contact Jane Mackenzie at jane@green-consultant.co.za
Details; www.green-consultant.co.za
