Life in a far-flung island paradise has its price, and for Rhonda Wilson and Ed Gowan, that means powering up their electric car once a week to dispose of their rubbish and collect their mail from town.
As Lord Howe Island prepares to become a pioneer in renewable energy – aiming to source 80 per cent of its electricity from solar and wind by 2019 – the couple and their sun-powered car have become harbingers of the future.
"It's christened the Pope-mobile over here, the tourists absolutely love it," Ms Wilson said.
"Whenever we go out and park somewhere they are absolutely fascinated and can't understand why there aren't any more here."
That may soon change, as the island pursues a sustainable energy path that would turn eco-advocates on the mainland even greener with envy.
The island is set to become a model for other small communities – and perhaps even larger ones – proving that rational debate, public consensus and a bit of blue-sky thinking can transform the energy economy.
Traditionally, the subtropical island 600 kilometres east of Port Macquarie has relied on fortnightly shipments of diesel fuel, transformed through generators, to supply power to the island's 350-odd residents, plus tourists.
It was an expensive, dirty solution that jarred somewhat with the island's world heritage-listed status, and its reputation as a pristine wonderland of emerald vistas and sparkling beaches.
Lord Howe Island Board chief executive Penny Holloway said the island will draw on its ample supplies of sun and wind to meet the ambitious renewable energy target. It has secured a $4.5 million Commonwealth grant and a $5.9 million NSW government loan to establish the integrated hybrid system of solar panels, two small wind turbines and battery storage, with diesel backup.
"It's not been a difficult decision for the island to move to renewable energy given the location, and it just fits in with the island's desire to live sustainably," Ms Holloway said.
"The island community has been pursuing this for a long time; we just needed to get the financial support together to be able to actually implement it."
The islanders are already encouraged to be energy-efficient, and some, such as the Wilson-Gowan home, have installed their own solar panels. The renewable energy plan is expected to increase available power, which Ms Holloway hopes will be used to run more electric vehicles on the island's roads.
Chris Murray, a local sustainability advocate, said the cost of diesel freight, rather than pure altruism, may have convinced some locals to embrace renewable energy.
Ms Wilson's support is driven by dismay at the growing number of petrol-powered cars on Lord Howe, and a wish to preserve the unspoilt beauty of her island home.
"It has a very special environment – it's so secure and safe and beautiful, and we hope it stays that way," she said.
"We might have a very small population if we can unite and do it … it's a very good example that other areas could follow suit."