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Solar homes
Going Green
Going Green: Solar homes
Thousands of people saw this solar house on display at the New York State Fair; a 900 square foot home with a very unique design that doesn't need power from a utility.
How about something more conventional? Could a 4,800 square foot home like this one go off the grid? The answer is yes, using a combination of alternative energy resources.
“We have two vertical access windmills you can see behind me. They're 1 KW so they both produce 1000 watts of energy. We also have a 3.45 KW solar panel system, all by Sharp, and we also have two vertical access geothermal systems that cover the heating and cooling,” said Allison Rutherford, General Manager of Pyrus Energy.
Allison Rutherford of Pyrus Energy says the home needs about six kilowatts of power per day and depending on wind and sun conditions, that's what this system provides.
“This home, in particular, has such great insulation and so many characteristics and specialties that keep all of the heat and they're using L.E.D. lighting, some really great lighting, to keep the energy consumption down,” said Rutherford.
So if the owner practices good conservation, the combined systems should provide more than enough power. But the total cost of the system is $90,000 is it worth it?
“If someone is in an existing home or looking for a home, the first thing they should really be concerned about is just what they can do to tighten up the existing envelope,” said Paul Crovella, SUNY-ESF.
Construction management instructor Paul Crovella says a simple and inexpensive step like the right level of insulation is the way to start.
“And dollars spent there are much more efficiently spent than on some of the renewables. Once your home is tight enough that there's not much more gain there and you're really interested in taking the next step then you're looking to putting in a renewable system like this and the investment that goes along with it,” said Crovella.
