He and his wife chose to install the batteries on their Clunes home partly they are unable to feed the solar power they are generating back into the grid, and also as an ethically responsible choice.

They are part of an increasing number of consumers looking to alternative self-sufficient energy methods, particularly solar batteries, in a bid to have greater control over cost as gas and electricity prices soar.

“It’s a stepping point along the route to consider going off the grid,” Mr Butler said.

“At the moment in the height of summer it doesn’t have to be hot to be efficient...last winter there were long periods when there was not much sun, so not much power, and while it’s winter, we may need additional batteries or keep tapping into the grid.”

Apart from their stove-top, the Butlers house is all-electric and the pair has adjusted to doing high-consumption activities, like washing and cooking, when it is sunny and the system is most efficient. Mr Butler said the batteries helped top-up when they draw over the power they are generating, particularly late in the day.

Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions researched, designed and installed the system for the Butlers by last June. The dual inverter system features second-hand batteries but a big plus for the Butlers was that most of the system was Australian made.

BREAZE’s Simon Reid said there were far more inquiries about solar batteries than there was supply. Mr Reid said most were motivated by sustainability but problems with electricity supply across South Australia this summer had definitely prompted more interest.

He knows there will be a tipping point when solar battery production will increase and be more affordable. And regional Victoria could stand to be a big winner.

“I can imagine more people in rural and regional areas, especially those living more remote from population centres, not connecting to the grid,” Mr Reid said.

“The relative costs of staying connected are increasing...this will mean big changes in poles and wire distribution.”