How odd you should mention the banner as I have just changed it for exactly the reason you said :-) We found the house on the internet and, no, it is not cheap because it's on solar; that may be connected to the fact that we are in Spain so whilst we do have restrictions, it's not like trying to do the same thing in the UK (which is where I am from)

We are considering a couple of more panels and I know Tom is also looking into wind power - I am not sure how practical this would be yet (although it does get windy here) but he has always wanted a wind turbine so watch this space.

Re the vacuum, I just got a small rechargeable one that I put on charge when the sun is out and it lasts about 20 minutes which is plenty long enough for me. Additionally, downstairs is all wooden floors (it's common in Spain to have no carpets) so I can also sweep up.

And, thank you for being interested in what I write. Have a lovely day.