Howard and Lyn Brown will display their Murmungee home on Sunday as part of Sustainable House Day to encourage people to think about energy efficiency.

“I think people may not be considering the options because of how expensive it is initially,” Mr Brown said.

“You have the cost of purchasing the solar panels but after that it basically runs itself.”

Mr Brown said people deterred by the installation cost did not realise the long-term benefits.

“We don’t get power bills now and it’s a very comfortable house to live in,” he said.

Mr Brown said he hoped Sustainable House Day would help raise awareness about solar energy.

“I hope visitors learn from our house and the ideas there,” he said.

“It will enrich lives I’m quite sure.”

Wangaratta Sustainability Network spokeswoman Gill Baker said the event aimed to make people aware of the fact our way of life was not sustainable.

“There is a way people can lower their ecological footprint while living in a lovely home,” she said.

“This is an opportunity to showcase that.”

Mrs Baker said it was important to encourage people to consider energy efficient options.

“It’s for the sake of their children, grandchildren and great-granchildren,” she said.

Other open houses will be held at Wangaratta, South Wangaratta and Whorouly.

All homes are free to visit and will be open from 10am to 4pm — visit wangarattasustainability.org for addresses.