'We spent nearly $15,000 - but we'd think twice about doing it again' | theage.com.au

"You need to give as many incentives as possible. In Germany, people who produce surplus solar energy are paid up to five times the cost of regular energy for it … we need to start thinking about that sort of stuff over here."

Ms Lacheta's household remains connected to mains power and water to help them through the drought and cold weather.