The feature, done in partnership with Fronius Australia, highlighted our cutting-edge home energy system, which exemplifies the high-quality, holistic solutions we offer at Bluegum for Families in the Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

Our home’s energy system includes 35kW of REC Solar Panels, two Fronius Gen24 Symo 10kW Inverters, a Fronius 10kW SYMO Snap Inverter, 44kWH of BYD battery storage, and a Fronius Wattpilot EV Charger. This setup isn’t just state-of-the-art—it’s our daily lifeline. Powered by the sun, our home runs entirely on renewable energy, resulting in a $0 electricity bill. This system demonstrates what Bluegum strives to offer families: comfort, convenience, and sustainable living without sacrificing modern luxuries.

The Journey to Our All-Electric Home

The journey to creating this home began in 2017 when we purchased a beautiful block of land in Gisborne. Little did we know that we’d find ourselves with a stunning view of Mount Macedon and just a short walk from Gisborne’s newest Primary school, Willowbank Primary. Back then, we were a family of two with a baby on the way, and we honestly had no idea what we wanted. We only knew we wanted a space to support us as our family grew.

Fast forward five years, and our vision became clearer—particularly after we welcomed twins into our lives. With three kids, a growing business, and the inevitable busyness of family life, we knew our home had to be more than just a place to live. It had to be a space that worked for us, every single day. We wanted everything to revolve around comfort, efficiency, and ease, especially in an all-electric future.

Designing with Family and Sustainability in Mind

Designing an all-electric home wasn’t something we rushed into. We spent years researching, planning, and rethinking every decision to ensure it fit our long-term vision for both comfort and sustainability. From the solar and battery systems that power our home to every little detail that makes life easier for a busy family of five, this home is the culmination of our vision and values.

Some key features that we included to meet our unique family needs were:

• A Large Solar and Battery System: This powers our home nearly exclusively from the sun. It’s been designed to not only meet our current energy needs but to future-proof us for additional upgrades, like our electric vehicles.
• Two Washing Machines and Two Dryers: This was Josh’s dream, and trust me, it was worth it. With three young kids, laundry piles up fast, and having this setup saves us time and stress. Yes, Josh does the washing in our house, and this was non-negotiable!
• Two Dishwashers: With a house full of kids and a busy business to run, the kitchen gets out of control quickly. The dual dishwashers help us stay on top of things and ensure that there’s always one clean and ready to go.
• A Deep Freezer: Located in our shed, the deep freezer ensures we always have emergency meals ready to go—just in case we miss our weekly Woolworths order or things get too hectic to cook.
• Keyless Locks on External Doors: These are an absolute lifesaver when you have kids, bags, and groceries in tow. We never have to fumble for keys, and family members can easily let themselves in when they come to help out.
• Saltwater Fish Tank: This feature is Josh’s pride and joy—a beautiful inbuilt saltwater tank in our lounge room. It’s a power-hungry beast, but thankfully, our solar system ensures it runs sustainably.
• Heated Towel Rails: Simple, yet so effective! Heated towel rails keep our towels dry, reduce the amount of laundry we need to do, and offer a cozy experience during Gisborne’s chilly winters.
• Heat Pump Hot Water System: When we first started thinking about our home, we considered using solar hot water, but we’re so glad we chose a heat pump instead. This system works seamlessly with our solar energy and ensures we never run out of hot water.
• Ducted Air Conditioning: We installed two ducted systems to provide efficient, whole-home comfort while keeping running costs low.
• Custom Lighting Plan: Thanks to our friends at Lights Lights Lights, our home has a well-thought-out lighting plan. From beautiful, discrete lighting throughout the house to soft night lighting for the kids, every detail was designed with practicality and aesthetics in mind.

Solar in Gisborne: Why we chose to build all-electric

For us, going all-electric wasn’t just a trendy decision; it was a logical one. We wanted to build a home that didn’t rely on gas or fossil fuels. With solar energy, battery storage, and modern electric appliances, our home is not only comfortable and efficient, but it’s also future-proofed for whatever comes next. We’ve always believed that sustainability shouldn’t mean sacrificing convenience or lifestyle. In fact, it should enhance it.

Our Partnership with Fronius Australia

When Renovate or Rebuild approached us about featuring our home, we knew we had the perfect partner in Fronius, Australia. Their technology powers our home’s entire energy system, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how it performs. Whether it’s keeping our power-hungry fish tank running or charging our EVs, Fronius has delivered a reliable, top-quality solution that we trust completely.

Channel 9’s Renovate Rebuild was the perfect platform to showcase what’s possible when you combine innovative technology with thoughtful home design. Our goal has always been to lead by example and show other families that an all-electric home isn’t just attainable—it’s an incredible way to live. From our $0 electricity bill to the comfort and convenience we enjoy every day, this home has truly changed our lives.

So, if you’re curious about what it takes to build a sustainable, all-electric home that still meets the demands of a busy family and want to upgrade your home, book your free consult today.