[Scripted]

We are extending our home to include a living room and two additional bedrooms (one with ensuite).

We are required to have double glazing on the windows and have incorporated passive cooling ideas / cross ventilation etc. in the design. We have also designed a deck to shield the west facing windows from the sun in summer.

I would LOVE to have solar panels but we just can't stretch the budget. All the confusing loan schemes seemed to have ceased. Does anyone know of additional rebates?

It is frustrating to me that the government is not making green choices more accessible. I would love a completely green home but it is a costly exercise. Double glazed windows will suck up a lot of the budget but I know it will be worth it in the end.

Anyone else have any suggestions or ideas before we finalise all the plans and start building? I have scrolled through govt websites to see if there are other suggestions and/or rebates but they are quite info heavy and always seem to link to another site before actually answering any questions!!

Thanks for your help

[lottiebobs]

Hi Nuit Blanche,

Great to hear you are trying to include green ideas into your extension! Not sure where you are so can't help with info on rebates as they tend to be different between states. This site might be useful: http://builditbackgreen.org/bushfires.aspx it was developed to help those that lost their houses in Black Saturday bushfires here in Victoria to incorporate green ideas into their rebuilds. Let me know where you are and I might be able to send you in the right direction for info on rebates.

Hope this helps... and good luck with the green extension!!

[Overtherainbow]

Origin and Retravision both offer a no deposit loan for solar panels. Pay monthly. It could be worth it. Origin does the 1.5kw and Retravision has a range of sizes.

I'm assuming you've included insulation. Ceiling fans are a great way to move the air, reversing fans help with summer and winter.

Can you add a raintank?