ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

Southwestern Smarts
This resource-wise house in Santa Fe, N.M., takes vernacular architecture to the next level to achieve near net-zero-energy.
By Mark W. Chalom

Keys to Successful Solar Water-Heating Programs
To encourage adoption, address the big obstacles: high upfront cost and a lack of consumer awareness.
Jordan DiGiorgio, Jeff Curry, Christie Howe and Mark Thornbloom, P.E., with Chip Bircher

5 Insights for Marketing Solar to Hispanics
Green attitudes and behaviors of the nation’s fastest-growing market might surprise you.
By Dr. Mary Beth McCabe, Dr. Ramon Corona, Dr. Richard Weaver

An Angle on Solar and Wind Variability
What is the best match to U.S. loads that could be achieved with wind power and PV? NREL’s load-matching model calculates the answer.
By Victor Diakov

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Choose the Low-Hanging Fruit
PV may be the sexy strategy, but solar-responsive design is cheaper and, by reducing a building’s energy consumption, more sustainable.
November/December 2011

For Aggressive Efficiency, Choose Passive Solar
Every south-facing window is a basic passive solar space-heating system. The challenge is minimizing heat loss while maximizing solar energy collected throughout the day.
January/February 2012

Shading for Energy Savings
By reducing the need for air conditioning, this design technique goes a long way in saving money and energy.
March/April 2012

Playing the Angles for Solar-Responsive Design
Solar geometry provides the tools for effective passive solar heating, shading and daylighting.
May 2012

Daylighting Illuminated
A good design will provide ample quality daylight, saving energy and money.
June 2012

White is the Greenest Color
Selecting light-colored roofs and walls is one of the easiest ways to save energy and money. So why don’t we see more white roofs?
July/August 2012

Think You Know Solar-Responsive Design?
Take the quiz to see how much you’ve learned. Access the September 2012 issue by logging in to your member/subscriber account here, or look for your print copy in the mail. Not a subscriber? Sign up today!

Norbert M. Lechner is an architect, professor emeritus in the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction at Auburn University, LEED-accredited professional and ASES Fellow. He is an expert in energy-responsive architectural design with an emphasis on solar-responsive design. Lechner’s book, Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects, is used by more than a third of all architecture schools in the United States and in architecture schools worldwide. The book is also very popular with professionals. He is a sought-after speaker, giving keynote lectures and workshops at universities and conferences around the world.

Issue Highlights

The Thermal Energy Storage Solution
Thermal energy storage stores excess solar heat to extend the operating hours for concentrating solar power. Is it also the answer for increasing the grid value of electricity from wind and photovoltaics?
By Zhiwen Ma, Greg C. Glatzmaier and Chuck Kutscher

Playing the Angles for Solar-Responsive Design
Solar geometry provides the tools for effective passive solar heating, shading and daylighting.
By Norbert M. Lechner

The Breezeway House: Passive House Comes to Salt Lake City
A Utah couple builds their dream house, which incorporates the core goals of Passive House design — low energy use, thermal comfort and excellent indoor air quality.
By Dave Brach AIA, CPHC

Valuing the Opportunity of Solar Distributed Generation
Distributed renewable energy generation is creating an exciting shift in the utility business.
By Phil Smithers

Also In This Issue:
Innovators: Former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter
Investing: Remarkable Desertec Project Gains Traction
The Trade: Best Practice Considerations for Small Wind Programs
System Accomplished: Solar Carries a Swimming Pool Through the Winter
New Products: WREF 2012 Showcase
Perspective
PV Power Map
Advances
Inside ASES

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Subscribe to SOLAR TODAY and don’t miss an issue! SOLAR TODAY is a benefit of ASES membership. Not a member? Join ASES today.

Women in Solar Energy Award Winner Heather Andrews

There were many outstanding nominations this year for ASES’ Annual Awards. The 2012 winners include the head of GreenEnergy Ohio (GEO), an outstanding educator, an advocate of women in solar energy, a researcher focused on energy conscious building design, a solar adobe expert, an architecture graduate student and a posthumous award to an unrelenting solar power advocate.

The winners will be honored at the Gala Awards Banquet alongside keynote addresses by Dennis Dimick, Executive Environment Editor for National Geographic and former Governor Bill Ritter. This event will be held onTuesday March 15 at WREF 2012. We’d love you to join us for an evening of enlightening presentations and  celebration of the achievements of all our honorees.

Charles Greeley Abbot Award
William Spratley for his dedication to education resulting in widespread knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency to both businesses and individuals.

Hoyt Clarke Hottel Award
Frank Kreith, for his innovative thinking that spurred many technology advancements. He has publicly promoted solar energy for decades while inspiring generations of young engineers.

Women in Solar Energy Award 
Trudy Forsyth, for her promotion and education of women in the renewable energy industry. She is a renowned expert in wind energy, and attributed to reinvigorating interest in its distributed applications.

Heather Andrews, who was an unrelenting force of support and advocacy for solar energy. While her presence is dearly missed, the consequences of her work will never go unnoticed.

2012 Passive Solar Pioneer Award
Edna Shaviv, who for over the last 40 years has created software, integrated ideas on community design, and initiated research in the United States and in Israel changing the way buildings perform.

Mark Chalom, for a 35-year commitment to creating a living legacy of sun dwellings, passive solar and sustainable buildings. He has influenced generations as a teacher, researcher, architect, public speaker, builder and activist.

2012 John and Barbara Yellot Award
 Sara Motamedi, for her outstanding graduate work integrating energy and daylighting simulations at the first stage of architectural design.

Name: Julianne and Mark Noonan

Occupation: Software Analyst and Software Engineer for Healthcare Software

Location of panels: Boyertown, PA

 Why did you go solar?

Photo Compliments of Julianne & Mark Noonan

For years we’ve tried to be good stewards of the Earth; maintaining our property 100% chemical and pesticide free, growing our garden, grapevines, strawberry beds and fruit trees the same way, contributing to soil health through composting and even the introduction of vermin-compost into our environment to further keep food and compostables out of the waste stream.  We’d thought about installing solar for several years, but the cost and our roof’s East/West orientation made it hard to make it become a reality. About 2 years ago we decided the time had come to further reduce our impact on the environment so we did more research on solar.  The state of Pennsylvania and the Federal incentives helped make it a financial possibility.  We spoke with a number of installers and finally found one we felt really comfortable with.  The company (RMK Solar) came up with a 12.88 KW ground based system, in the back of our 3-acre property. It was anticipated to produce about 89% of our energy usage.  At last, our roof orientation issue could be affordably overcome.

The second reason was financial. Electric rates in Pennsylvania were recently de-regulated. Power companies in the area were going to be able to regularly re-adjust their rates, which in most cases had not been done in many years.  Each company hit the “de-regulated” date at various times. We saw some power companies increase their rate by 30% just in the first year. We didn’t want a surprise when it was our power company’s turn. And surely over time rates will just continue to increase.

 What’s the best part about going solar?

In addition to feeling good about doing our part to help the environment we’ve seen financial benefits. There is nothing like the first time you see your electric meter run backwards as you put your excess energy back into the grid! Due to the placement of the 56 panels in 2 arrays positioned south facing at a 39-degree angle, and the improvement of panel efficiency in the few short months between contracting and installation we actually generate over 100% of our electric generation. Although not the norm, in our best month ever we sent over 1000 kWh back to the grid!

Our electric bill? Since we installed it the only bill we get from the power company is $9.12 per month for transmission fees and taxes. All the extra power we generate goes back into the grid and once a year the power company writes us a check; all for just collecting the solar rays floating around the environment!

Photo compliments of Julianne & Mark Noonan

Our system came with a web monitor. From home, we can pull up the monitor and see exactly what the panels are doing real time any time of day.  While away from home, as long we have Internet access we can get production information periodically through the day.

Psychologically, now that we know we’ll get money back for the electricity going back to the grid we’ve even become more conscious of our electricity usage! We are more likely to remember to turn off unused lights and appliances, run only full laundry and dishwasher loads and even forgoing the use of the laundry dryer whenever possible. Obviously, this also contributes to our panels being able to meet all of our electric needs and then some.

 What would you say to the naysayers who don’t believe it would work for them?

“Does it really matter to the environment that much?”

We feel good about what we did. We are doing our part to keep Mother Nature happy.

“But we have long cold winters. “

Living in southeastern PA we can be subject to long cold winters too. Some folks questioned if we’d get enough sun to produce electricity in the winter. The fact is our best generation months are February, March and early April. The panels love the cooler weather, and while the sunny portion of the day isn’t as long as in the summer, there is no haze to block the rays. And as a bonus, with the ground based system, when there is snow on the ground we get the added benefit of the sun’s rays being reflected off the snow to the panels. And even on the cloudiest days we’re still kicking out a few kilowatts. 

“They’ll be outdated before we see any return.”

We often heard the panels wouldn’t be worth the investment because the panels would be dead and gone long before they make up for the cost. We are anticipating a full return on our investment in about 12 years. This takes into account the money we get from putting power back into the grid and the small amount we get from Pennsylvania’s SREC program. And the fact is, the panels are guaranteed for 25 years at 90%+ efficiency and it is anticipated they’ll last far longer than that.

“But how do they look?”

They are a neat feature of our landscape and we still get a bit of a thrill looking at them and all they produce. Many would say they look better than a lot of jungle gyms and backyard sheds found in most suburban neighborhoods.

“Geez, another thing in the yard to maintain.”

The fact is they are virtually maintenance free. If you live in a real dusty environment maybe you need to hose them down occasionally, but we’ve found the rain does just fine removing the occasional bird dropping. And when it snows, the slightest bit of sunshine melts a small area and the rest of the snow slides right off.

 What tips do you have for others who want to go solar?

Most importantly, do your research to find a company that you can count on. Our installer was amazing. They provided us with options that would work best for us, helped us with the township zoning process and worked through some difficulties with our local power company since the power company was sort of new to net metering.

Make sure you understand what you are getting. We wanted to be sure we did the right thing for the U.S. economy as well. We chose to go with a company that used only U.S. made panels – while it may have been a few dollars more for the materials we know we installed quality panels, from a company that has been around a long time and the warranty behind them will protect us if we ever do have an issue.

Also, figure out the zoning requirements of your township and if there are any solar access protection laws in place. If there are get written commitment that they will enforce those solar access protections laws in the future if need be. You might find that your township doesn’t even understand laws it might have put in place based on US Department of Energy suggestions, so you might even be educating them! It helps to have a solar installer versed in this area.

The American Solar Energy Society will hold the annual National Solar Tour this fall where there will be many opportunities to show your home, host a tour or go on a tour. More details on the National Solar Tour will be available in the near future.

Name:  Lynn Wakeman
Occupation: IT Professional
City & State: Evergreen, CO

What made you go solar?            

I moved into a passive solar home 25 years ago. But because everything in the house is electric, including the heat for a very open floor plan and cathedral ceiling house, the passive solar was not adequate. I began investigating panels and PV systems for two reasons.  One, was to reduce my carbon footprint, and expand the sustainable passive system. The second, and maybe more importantly was financial. I has a little bit of spare cash and with interest rates so low, a .005% interest rate, a savings account was not a good investment.  I had a personal friend who was in the solar installation business so I contacted him. He agreed a PV system was a good investment and offered to give me an estimate. I ultimately hired him after researching a couple of other companies.

What’s the best part about going solar?        

It’s so cool that I am a producer and am now getting paid by the power company rather than being a total consumer. I like to get home in the evening and see what my production was for the day. Also, with my technical background, I find it interesting how all the pieces fit and work together. I like to  talk about my experience with anyone who is interested and my co-workers, who don’t have the ideal sites for solar, get  to hear me expound on how great it is.

What tips do you have for others who want to go solar?                 

Investigate your options. There are companies who will install the system for practically no up-front money but then take part of the production payments.  Make sure you have a reputable contractor. We ran into several issues that my contractor handled.

The American Solar Energy Society will hold the annual National Solar Tour this fall where there will be many opportunities to show your home, hold a tour or go on a tour. More details on the National Solar Tour will be available in the near future.