The solar workshop is a small family owned business based in Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt of South East Qld. Jayn and Jonathan have lived on the Granite Belt for more than 4 years having moved there from the borders of Lamington National Park near Beaudesert. There they extensively rebuilt and restored an old Qld worker's cottage, powered by solar power of course. Jayn and Jonathan started The Solar Workshop when it became clear that there was a need in the Granite Belt area for a renewable energy service. The Solar Workshop is an unashamedly 'green' business. Jayn and Jonathan aim to reduce their impact on the environment and through their work hope to influence others to follow suit. Leading through example, they strive to show that alternative technologies work and that they can and do make a difference. Due to the rugged nature of the Granite Belt environment, many people find that connecting to the grid is very expensive. Renewable energy is a viable alternative. This region is blessed with long periods of clear skies and sunny weather, perfect for collecting the free energy provided daily by the sun. Solar energy is simple, silent and sustainable and expected to be available for about the next 2 billion years. On a good site Wind turbines can produce more watts per dollars than PV modules and the Solar Workshop can supply and install many types of turbines and sizes of towers. They have recently added many other products to their range. Solar hot water and solar room heating all make use of the free energy delivered daily to your rooftop. They are also agents for the major manufacturers of composting toilets, and grey water treatment systems and can provide a solution for most home configurations. Jayn and Jonathan and their two sons live in a solar and wind powered house on a block that has been declared Nature Refuge in partnership with the Queensland Government. They feel that it is important to take responsibility for their power and water needs. All water used is caught on site and pumped with solar power. Waste water is treated in a reed bed grey water system, and a composting toilet deals with human waste. Kitchen scraps and compost are processed by worms and chooks. The compost from the toilet and the chooks is used to fertilise the orchard trees. The aim is to be mostly self sufficient in fruit and vegetables in coming years. Looking towards the future, they hope to become a one stop shop for anyone looking to live a low impact lifestyle. They are actively working on solar passive energy efficient home design using mud brick, cob or strawbale materials and incorporating renewable energy and sustainable processes.