Caroline Allen was last week judged the winner of a $15,000 1.5kW Kaneka Solar PV system in the Sustainable House Day contest.

Liam Hunt, the communications manager of Solar Shop Australia, flew in from Adelaide to supervise the installation of the system last Wednesday.

The competition sought entrants to describe in 25 words or less what sustainable living meant to them,

``Caroline's winning answer was `Lowering our impact on the environment by using renewable energy, minimising water usage through water tanks, growing our own vegies and having fun doing it','' Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt said more than 700 entries were received.

He said that the large number of entries showed more people were taking an interest in their environment and climate change.

``This is a good thing as it shows more people are concerned and they also want to help save the planet by using less energy and fuel and saving water instead of doing nothing,'' he said.

Mrs Allen said she was very proud to be declared the winner.

``It is also sweeter as I have never won anything in my life and also because I come from Western Sydney,'' she said.

``One of the reasons I came out with the winning answer is I am already actively involved in making my home more sustainable, like having a rainwater tank and operating a worm farm.

``I can't wait to get warm water generated by the solar system as well as a reduction in my electricity bill. My young son, Matthew (20 months), is already helping me to run the worm farm and watering my garden with water from the rainwater tank.''