Green Strategies

Solar Orientation

The home's design and site position on the lot has been done to approach this goal. 11ten did extensive sun studies early in the planning process. "Their solar studies led to a design that, first, allowed for maximum effi ciency in the solar panel placement," Gary says. "But it also was designed to avoid the hot summer sun and take advantage of the winter sun, while also allowing for as many views as possible. Consequently, there is only one window where the summer sun comes into the house and that is only a few feet in for one hour at 10 a.m. In the winter, the sun comes into the house 18 feet into the living room to provide passive solar heat."

Photovoltaic solar panels and passive water heating are located on the roof above the garage. This system should achieve a zero balance on the grid. "My wife and I work, so maybe in the daytime we actually produce more energy than we need and it goes into the grid. When we get home and are using more electricity, so then we might require to take it back." He estimates that it will take six to eight years to reach payback for the solar system, but notes "that is at today's rates and at tomorrows rates, if may only take four or five years."

Photovoltaics (PV) is an important energy technology for many reasons. As a solar energy technology, it has numerous environmental benefits. As a domestic source of electricity, it contributes to the nation's energy security. As a relatively young, high-tech industry, it helps to create jobs and strengthen the economy. As it costs increasingly less to produce and use, it becomes more affordable and available. And there are many more reasons, as we shall see.

Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics. As it quietly generates electricity from light, PV produces no air pollution or hazardous waste. It doesn't require liquid or gaseous fuels to be transported or combusted. And because its energy source - sunlight - is free and abundant, PV systems can guarantee access to electric power.

Green Strategies Library

Rain and Grey Water