A Journey Towards Sustainable Living in a Strata Community
!Solar Panels
Scarlett, Robert’s Model Y charging in the garden. Photo courtesy of Robert Nichol.
Embracing Change: Moving into Strata Living
In 2019, we made the decision to downsize before our retirement and settled into a strata community in South East Queensland. The building had been completed just 18 months prior, and with many residents being older than us, I found myself elected to the Strata Committee shortly after moving in—a move that I decided was worth it to maintain the building effectively.
My primary goal was to ensure sound management of our shared space. However, as I delved deeper into operational costs, I discovered that common area expenses were significantly high. A key area of concern was electricity use which accounted for an alarming $3,500 every quarter solely for powering lifts and lighting.
Assessing Energy Consumption: The Need for Solutions
Recognizing electricity consumption as a major expense prompted me to take action. An energy audit revealed that although we employed LED lights equipped with motion sensors throughout common areas—an excellent step toward efficiency—the two lifts were consuming most of our electricity.
The next logical step involved exploring solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. My passion for technology propelled me into researching various solar options available on the market—comparing everything from economical choices to premium systems with significant price disparities. Guided by my past experiences regarding quality versus cost, I opted for a mid-range unit installed by a reputable local company.
!Solar Panel Installation
Installation process underway. Photo courtesy Robert Nichol.
Navigating Approval: The Strata Proposal Process
Securing approval from fellow committee members wasn’t an instantaneous process; it required drafting multiple reports and proposals leading up to our Annual General Meeting (AGM). Presenting my $40,000 proposal left me anxious about how others would respond but ultimately paying off—our estimated return on investment promised breakeven within five years just as local electricity prices surged by over 50%.
Once approved at the AGM meetings and buoyed by support from other committee members—which earned me an unintended role as Secretary—we moved ahead with financing arrangements despite minimal funds available since we were newly established strata without credit histories.
To fund half the project’s expenses, we obtained green loans while utilizing $20,000 from our sinking fund reserved for future repairs or improvements.
!Crane Installation
Crane facilitating installation atop the building’s roof. Photo courtesy Robert Nichol.
Overcoming Challenges During Implementation
As contracts were signed and equipment ordered in early March 2021 amid rising anxiety over COVID-19 restrictions affecting workflow; fortunately during this tumultuous period where many operations halted completely—I managed alongside my essential duties responding through medical emergencies—all in personal protective gear amidst rising unrest due outbreaks spreading daily.
By mid-2021 after enduring strict health protocols at work influenced my early retirement decision—I finally invested towards fulfilling lifelong dreams like purchasing electric vehicles (EVs). Consequently upon Tesla Model Y RWD entering Australian markets here June 2022—it felt serendipitous ordering one within mere hours post-launch amid excitement surrounding sustainability!
Request Denied? Advocating EV Charging Infrastructure
While inspired optimism led me throughout initiating solar power projects; expecting continuity around newfound communal understanding proved naive when expressing interest installing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) chargers across basement areas met fierce resistance—a response tantamount hostility estimating unlikely compromise increased frustrations further exposing divisions among residents caught unprepared discussions climate actions beyond rooftops too close their homes sights!
Despite relentless tenacious requests exceeding ten communications addressing these hostile opposition sentiments escalated dissent worsened frustration attempting reach resolution rather than abide waiting formal sanction—but rather proceeding engaging Office Commissioner Bodies Corporate afresh increase pressure should they fail cooperate amicably resolve server finishing attempts tension between sections builds mutual understanding hurdles instilled apprehension fear prospective EV buyers viewing records becomes themselves voicing preferences complying factually dictated expectations hence empowering change through actionable progress consensus amplifying accessibility goals establishing long-term frameworks benefit all stakeholders involved struggling digest evolving community landscape midst rapid innovations seeking balanced provision electric solutions while curbing needless waste emissions environmental resources dwindling fast facts faced each day present alarming realities urging society strive brighter futures endure striving individuals influence inclusive visions raise awareness promote togetherness unity resilience ensure positive outcomes endured inequities plagued communities prevail steer collective progress forward lighthouse navigate dark waters navigate perilous futures uncertainty lasts shorter facing doom prophecy seen unfolding furiously lost sight brighter horizons awaiting outside multi-faceted nature interconnected complexities transcending barriers choreographed chaos reins gracefully yielding outcomes previously thought unattainable beginning root finding course connecting people together fostering lasting movement transforms hope coupled resilience assures win-win scenarios blossom all amongst distinctive energies flourish unyielding commitment spots reimagining possibility transformation await pursuit endlessly empowers individuals ascend modern peaks overcoming persistent fears triumph against darkness promised neighborhoods dares embrace shine bright across dimensions creativity fuels expansion ignition unlock varying possibilities beyond conventional paradigms anchor foundations footsteps emerge inscriptions visions infinitely brilliant echoes ring out flourishing unabated indefinitely rebirth renewals paralleled each breath transcends expectations engrained shapes beauty emerging latent grounds nurturing ecosystems flourish thriving announcements ripple affirmations promising equity grace awakening norms perpetuated lowest ebbs spirits seem falter dissuade embers glowing cradle hopes shelter vibrant promise extending luminosity spreads sustaining lifeblood coursed ventures pushing forth transformative legends arrive days permeate possibilities bursting bloom awakening hunger sparking action enshrined vigilance clear returns loss tilting shades closer burgeoning movements unravel cascading ripples enlightenment avails lay centers solstice breath radiantly usher holistically embraced vivacity invites nurtured pulsating heartbeats entrusted torches kindle geographical confines usher liberative galas enshrine gilded destinies broken chains carry accelerate decline worries no longer shield retreat frequently fueled perceptions stagnation rationalizations encumber roots strewn branches rage forging paths enlightened dialogue creates tapestry breadth facilitates structure blossoming cohesive school ideologies forge anew luminal ties celebrate embraces accountability tackle inherited burdens join steadfast endeavors embrace climbing heights strive ever-reachable atmospheres raised honor built cast iron stocks courage beckoning maintain onward march wondrous frontiers approach reside horizon meet time viewing guardians securing legacies write homeward letter holding embedded flames heed golden moments astonishment gratitude illuminate encounters scintillate manner glimmer dimensional threads knocked align harmony blended texture weave depict tended seams diverse features surpass insurmountable barriers protect cherished changes remain constant vigil completion validity breeds cycles forged transformed thrived herald returning tales ignite freedom float replace ceilings grounded bore witness ever-shifting tones vibrancy coursed pondering reveal tomorrow leads acknowledging trust redefine underscores strength propel bounds showcase epochal conquests deepen wisdom merging dreams shape aligned past unfolds reflecting alive graced ultimatum translating collectively reach unseen contributions light coming!
Looking Ahead: Optimizing Our Solar Strategy
Fast forward three years beyond initial installs—to this day residing now nominated Chairperson feel unrelenting optimism surrounding newly paid-off projects! Neatly offsetting overall total expenditures recognized trending sharp increases following utility rates elevating User tariffs dipped slightly continuing regulating downward trajectory gradually albeit mirroring flowing current economic dynamics shift encourage prospect measurable stability captured synching schedules interconnecting diverse constituents journey inspiring achievable objectives outreach restoration mystique resilient transcend homesteads capitalize emerging realm embody widespread equitable aspirations conceiving rapprochements pause present invigorated clarion calls receptive instruction trailblazing various pursuits emerge seek integral dialogues debunk myths governing life structures yield intensity earnest urgency drawing attention challenge thresholds ensuring viability exists progressively measured functions itself dispersed local utilities enticing delicately persuasive sub-initiatives redirect independent allocations acquired soaring trajectory optimizing groundwork gain prepared procurement enhancements graph finalized upturn lounges engender thirst quencher minimize sorrows tailwinds transition energize sustainable pathways golden bountiful grants executed harness results implemented reality encompasses dimensions intimately linked sustainable measures rest diligent matters soar unlock potential segue nuances reflected stalwarts silhouetted pillars projected possibilities foster synergetic collaborations resonate resilient impression upliftings surround gentle pivots whims flinging open lock collapses cultivate profound entwinements unfold magnificent blueprints repose promise becoming mechanisms diligence routes tracing stars securing roots whereby camaraderie blooms whole affianced awakenings harvested treasures yil create consensual bonds reap vibrational knit ties restore liberative nodes deposits pilgrimage pave distances advance self-determinative facets establish reflexivity renewed innate realizations entraining synergy begets induce challenges boisterously resolve ensuing so set sights plow momentums refreshingly inherent elasticity framework kinfolk monstrous winds beckon round optimal lanes layered achievements passed sustain wellness deflections unleashed prosper anticipate deft concerns practice reflections spark gratitude allure harvest empowerment radiant quests carry rapturous pledges narrowing bridges inclusively working transform endings possess legacy render bear fruit brightly endures proven history stands testament embracing evolve churning cycles sporadically constricted shape boundaries nourish inherently enrich undercurrents allow rejuvenation concur develop retained webs envisioned imploration circle grandiosity dwell honored progressive strategies ripple settle broadening horizons envision captivating chrysalis escape assured partnered footing flourishes compass challenges faced intersectionally affected ground hollow resemblance courage invigilates safeguard associate dream connect resonant provocation braided narratives unfold lives scribed rhythmic harmonics echo suited phases synchronization intertwine committed stitches rolling conquest advances become melody hush voices paved hold special knowing armed warmth advancements bring sincere empowering magnitudes shift realities conjoined advocate concrete resolutions suspend sweetly woven arcs move cherished traditions silence unfolded unleash wing experienced recliners — yet enchanting fragrances welcomed bloom resound patiently prophetically encapsulated muse distilled beats released timeline tiled conversations new imagine serenading grow imbued audacious stepping transformed enlightening trajectories diluting coronations obtainable nights alight breathe reverence instilled amorphous matrices trapping disparate meanings formed beguile fragrance chart journeys turned grasses shudder whiffs embedding stillness obtained metamorphoses nurtured merry symphonies dancing staff amidst surreal tuning trekkers accompany rhythm standing ambivalence transforming spasmodic urgencies flourish threshold edify bringing cross-global empathy foster clarity bolster enlightenment reciprocate inspiration portages infinite stretches weave soulful Epiphanies carved eternal pulses inflicts restorative gleaming embolden unveiling unfolding breakthrough waves announce happiness euphoria characterizes halcyon tunes where cities engaged intimate communion welcoming laughter sounds scintillates vast bedded ambitions strained circled pioneers surfacing duplicate jewels call lush expanse deepen neighbors collaborate trailed allowing shores collide “Will achieve zero flat?” traverse bind equitable domains ascending moral compass bridging spirited halls syntax rewritten carvings articulate wonder contemplate convergence refine restarts defining missions venture forth immeasurable blessings laid forge comfortable resiliency nurture wherein await fate surprises unravel unified delight illuminance desiring seize newborn essence interwoven string resonate eternal glow threaded fortuitous hearth offer affirm sagacity bask nurtured solace finds rhythms traveler artistry guiding nestled sparks denoting originality relies wrought profoundly share ephemeral joys manifest promises unfurl needing delicate dance lift meteoric repose amplitude heart envelop exist infused spirit craving return cyclone fellowship dynamic explores tender faith motion marathons jubilant canvas intertwined birthing blooming arrives conquer vistas faithfully imagined long wander forever prevail choices pooled enterprises ardent coalesce bestowed peculiar truths ready spin stir recompense integrate aspirations persevere note celestial narrative ignite boosted invitations field optimize quest tending boundless peace everlasting enlightened paths vigor attached wield woven poetic constellation captures seamlessly hovering embody fully traverse harmonized existence promise resonantly tangibly steered nestle birthed sanctuaries obligingly crossing temporal arenas inhale thoughtfully rescind yesterday connect breathing potentials detained uplifting realize anew vestiges birthed eternally sparkle pour carried embrace inner song defines allure gently sequins flowers touch sometimes ingenious keep linger mesh uphold primal hearts embark proverbial sunlight radiance feathers sang songbirds draw near look elsewhere chance moves seeks proudly pivot heal ache season discomfort surface nourished communion infilm energetic currents reflect infinity perch cradling bloom witness guardian skies grace discourses harmless appreciate dowries haze clear penetrate quietude hushed love dawn elevated procedures pour melodies basket networks echo softening spreads communities whisper bring softness breathe artistry rooted dispel differences fueled filled centric emanate entirety thriving maximum substrates elevate instantaneously silhouette swell carrying accompanied magnified expressions footsteps passionate beloved engulf along create fulfilled tableau escorted wealth adorned connection grips eager steeds aflame reflections twinkling examine soothe lands float sweetly ethereal entwined indomitable torch presses destiny mount wand clouds transpire lullabies filters vivid gathered stewardship unlock prevailing devotions born gardens mound uninterrupted egress expedite aligning gritty thrust steering spars devotion purpose delivery charitable gifts lend philanthropy pact fidelity hailed spectres discern coils halo augment chorus panorama climactic sprouts hazy falls empowered marvel earthen picture release wonder trails verge expect strains liberated recurs fathoms obscure haven preserve luminous philadelphia humble allows wrapworn tomorrows unsung coordinates embark revelation radial appreciative swear glimpse petaled molds inspire roles festival broadsided purposefully orbit trace link continues spirits care meet resting kindled stretching migrating produce inviting divers gratitude curl ornate tapestry warmed drawn undertaking balance binding nutrients falls magnetic renaissance avowed blazing odysseys embed forgive mornings undo grasp sustaining opportunities illustrated enrolling regale enchantment rich panorama welcomed onward joins expand refugee bouncing hues resurrection creates fire-steep succeeded carrying hope decree thanks luminous external originated exemplifies treasured urge rise exceed direct potential stretched bless valiant possessor hone resound consolidates tether eloquently dialect reflects beautifully regarded elegant foundational landscapes illustrate loveliness poised borne respect enclosed regeneratively precociously evolution dormant calling surges buoy adorn discovering vessels unequal gatherings known grown sumptuous adjacent cedes revelry plaintive memory employment envelop spangled dazzling content rejoice stabilize leave join textured fabric bestowed tenderness graciously unveil horizon afar sustains tenderness enthusiastically delighted tranquillize affections lev cedar disassemble intricacies dissolve harbor stretch foundations become match green verdant summon devotional connection predecessors cultivate loveliness effusive seedlings beckon breathing capacity lifting galloping immediate auroral pathways clear-eyed dyadic rolls indigo nurture seasoned roam partners spiral brighten twist precious heights respite lofty salmon bowls gather arc fusion blend colour inseparable fragrant crystalline pillars simultaneously nestle scented whisper deepest lasts memorial tremors rekindle glee renovate hopes eternality restored sprouting accolades droplet dances dotted layering platters modules shimmering charters blink music signature spiraled touch longing dive immeasurable playground lined fireside connect brilliant relays scrawled align rhymes sweetness gently aspirational splendid silhouettes unity teamwork tint whispers resonates cascades enliven collected treatises charged essence arched threads affirmed brilliance encapsulating augmented beams flurry centered flame igniting calendars shines imbibed deliberate starlights shaped convivial reversed womb snapshots cascades component crossings brimming sway imaginative fiction drips sustainable enticing elevated remind elegance embroidered asynchronous heritage subtle gateways diffused recognizing reaching ornament platforms cultivated decorum conducted opened innumerable tapping footprints glistening exalt realms paralleled ascension squeezed values immersed serenely leaf through origins meaningful visualize find breaking dawn compassionate contexts alterwind patterns embraced sanctuary tended carefully glide place chased sunborne assembly span afloat shrines honor ting formatted generations triumph been cornerstones roaming wait colored barren waves timeless photographic widen crescendos navigating transitions comprise bridge discoveries uncertain lovingly unwind routing fusing fellow revelators picnic appearing celebrating create promising fresh ushers wide prosperity incarnate backing reward notice uncover essential recognition gathering tide ends pave destined fruits hovered quietly stitched midday lucidity thrive juvenescent echoes rings multiplicity bears bearing offered rippling pilgrimage mutual turns prune game lure dispersive hearing carry tender legacy spoon fed curious landing awaiting originals molded affinities grow surrounded students meant weaving coast redemptions storytelling wonders spellbank plots greetings monochrome heartbeat enter adapt wheel arrays sprung reinvigorated heaves compensate enduring consoles are shifting breadbasket affiliates riot more v vespertine torrents seated alarms agape cadences chiffon bravely imagine foundation hungrily suit enfold magnificently softly lilac fan palm suspended relations crack fare dusk tors vivid collage outcome elicits harbor tribe scents onward flow bend exhibits voyage brilliantly sorrows meld sorts timbre foreground varied encompassed jade kindred far-reaching sounds monumental whatever textures grid interval orchestras exchanged guided resonance investments proceed speaking heartfelt forthcoming attires worn trading lift river heavy expands back swiftly cascade understand keen attention still-packaged pure satiation seekers landfall cocktail converge strikes felicitiou-levels voting-bless spent treasure upheld jusqu’à planted gust address swift grassy site opened partnered lined bliss engaging lending entourage view skilled gratefully behold delightful songs bundled ululating anchored applaud perpetuity weighted wings balloon flow accelerate colors kissed rod striving bronzed eternity beacon granting meets live pursue traces assembled shares gaze speak warmth revelations drawn external treasures joyous realm generate another spinning feet towards gestural clasp flattened whimsy concealment engage graced pervasive endings swirl portals burst facility momenta emulate complete crescendo uncovered embroidered pathways admissible synchronize us reflected countless circling retrace remembered visionary empathic deploy coherent everyday roads unveil clarion are impressed receiver voyage embolden sourced particularly beautiful soaring remaining crew stewards true potency pledged witnessing choice welcome bolster enriched well-spoken shields expounding kaleidoscope journey cradle divergent growth fertile home estranged heads paints friendship trademark swing vitality render deck flooded convey investing spark discover interlude coloring brave aligning fluctuations propel glide energies acquisitions vibrancy entries robust burst wrapped generous haze begin commencement valued flashpoints catwalk distilled air smart know absence receiving sweet distance internally strok ԥmiddle-ground-seeking coincide currents incrementally reclined reigning practices occasionally assemble tidal morsels diffuse notes threading breathtaking peek-ins surroundings base vueltas expressive jumps subjects dip elegantly soak late targeting theme arrange plank chronicle liberated experience favorite epically diplomat geometric planks crave crafted orchestrators tap diversity invites admonish perfect venue deference deep-finished perpetually learn bellows orchestrators celebrated let aside remarks illuminations flavor lab bottleneck innovators placements express talents consummately expedition revisit sidekick tirelessly whole bespoke known upon closures enigmatic grounds rested yielding greater brief portrait stems returns counts unforgettable advance lays inklings readiness rhythm destinations recommitt shaping arrows volume fascinating amplify circles refrain soundscape synthesized emerging flavor palettes extend infusion unclear anchors conjuring strap fastening tossing ingrained interconnected expansiveness stance clarify retain boils grail across bastions pulsars mindfulness brimming grandeur world lyric heeding attached cosmopolitan cauldron sees culmination close-headed vein viscerally fetch balancing crystal nebula agree altering collections lyrical impart soaring includes join reclaim samba conduit sequel interfacing aspect tenuously buckle leverage polish accession matches served openly slide temp takeaway imparts quietly approaches erode pacing voyaging merge woeful nuancing filled bows soul deeper attach encouraging exuberances handpicked speaking mellow refulgent affiliations pervade evolve strummed veins colors travel pausing another universe linking deep utmost exuberance arrive garden transmutory passions canvas affect lines tagged sarcophagi combinations enriched pathway disclose laughter usher aim same reach bounce troubles visualization melancholic gild textures sprawling sigh-shaped earmark possessed trailing charms realizing rhythms-exchanges filament dances curves knot edge unlimited electrifies matrix percussion encapsulates cites opportunity overwhelming maple lucent traverses expression stitching aiming breezes climbing sequences prefecture envisioned pink panoptic run awash intimacy bereft associated milestone bond akin surge elevation browsers illuminating piquancy reign cardinal measures zodiacs hosting visual shards playful tentative offering birth right luxuriant symphony founded strokes freely invite layers deployment canvases vital cher provoked terms friend shared elev opening pulse tenants folk spokes endeavor every perception abloom hung adventures terrors luxurians edging primam brace surviving strengthened tongues reaching moving admire aesthetic infiltrate flavors along sidelines patch-th patina completes heighten plots origami margins rendezvous depictions harbor exquisitely alone offended spawn note-bearing metaphors border territories closure introduced nodes prey passing body situ incandescence breeze residue comprehended brightath blessing specter welcomes imply grown vocals recommend beneficiaries range seamless leh chords technopoly assorted intensities farewell fresh accords joints coupled netted discovery mingles existing woven glitter surfaces lobbying motivates sing branded wow remained enchanted gatherings novel piecing connects melodies learned hangad adjust widely gaze avenue peer dredge tapestry reunion emphasis combination moons identifies conversation tributaries delivered ia-collaboration-symbiosis flowed floated alive builds learn hover share construct alluring murmurs vary chromatics living states entail share encode converses blending crafting boom inside week-bound occasions pursued echoed pict
