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Remodeling for Maximum Energy Efficiency and Savings
Mr. George had decided to make his family’s vacation residence energy efficient and wanted to offset as much energy as possible by installing solar PV (photovoltaic) and solar thermal long before beginning the remodel/addition to the existing early 1900s cape style house located in Orleans, MA.
SunWind reviewed the proposed plans and worked with architect Sara Jane Porter to determine the most efficient and aesthetic layout of the systems on the new rooflines. Mr. George had asked for as much energy as possible to be produced by the solar system in an effort to make the residence as “Green” as possible.
Solar Photovoltaic for Electricity
SunWind designed a 5000-watt solar system using 22 American Made solar modules and major components manufactured in Massachusetts. The PV system simply converts light to DC (direct current) electricity within the solar cells and is then converted into AC electricity, which is matched to the home’s incoming power. The solar power is fed directly to the home’s electrical service panel during the day and from the utility company in the evening.
The completed system will produce an average of 6,300kWh (kilowatt hours) per year and will save the George family an average of $1,075 per year based on the current rate of electricity. The average home uses between 10,000kWh and 12,000kWh per year.
In addition, the system is enrolled in the state’s new SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificate) program. This program currently pays $0.55 cents per kWh for every kWh produced by the system, which in this case would be $3,465 during the first year of operation. The rate of the SRECs may not decline more than 10% per year and will never drop below $0.30 cents/kWh during the ten-year program.
The combined savings/revenue generated by the PV system is a staggering $4,500 per year at the current rate of electricity and SRECs.
Mr. George will also be receiving a State Rebate of $4,250, a State Tax Credit of $1,000, and a Federal Tax Credit of 30% of the installed cost equal to $10,000.
The total of incentives is $15,250 and the return on investment is four years. Continued energy production will result in savings/revenue of $35,000 over the 25-year life of the system.
The State Rebate is a non-competitive process and is open to all applicants. Click Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for information on solar, wind and solar thermal rebates.
Click here for a list of all programs available through the state, Federal and utility companies.
Solar Thermal for Hot Water
The Solar Thermal system is designed to provide hot water for domestic use such as showering, laundry, dish washing, etc. The George residence will have three Flat Plate collectors mounted to the roof, which are piped, into a large storage tank in the basement. The use of solar collectors reduces the amount of time the existing water heating system (boiler, gas water heater, electric water heater) will need to run to meet the demand. This in turn saves fossil fuels and reduces the operating cost of the home.
The collectors are capable of producing 24,500 BTU (British Thermal Units) each per day in the Northeast climate. With three collectors, the system will produce 27 million BTUs per year, which is the equivalent of 250 gallons of oil or 275 gallons of natural gas per year.
There are two main types of collectors on the market: Flat Plate Collectors and Evacuated Tubes. Both are very effective at providing hot water. The Evacuated Tubes can produce much higher temperatures and are well suited for commercial and/or space heating applications.
Flat Plate collectors can also provide hot water and space heating, although they do not produce as much heat as the evacuated tubes during the winter months. Flat Plate collectors are more cost effective, typically carry a longer warranty period, and have a longer life expectancy with less maintenance.
SunWind helps clients decide which type of collector is best for their project. Systems are sized based on the number of occupants in the home or based on the number of gallons per day to be used by the occupants/business.
Both Solar Thermal and Solar PV systems will provide decades of free energy, and unlike their predecessors in the boom during the early 1970s, are far more efficient, aesthetic and cost effective solutions to today’s energy needs.
Solar Thermal systems are eligible for a State Rebate as long as the owner uses the home as their primary residence. The state has recently introduced a commercial solar hot water rebate program. These rebates can be combined with the 30% Federal Tax Credit and a State Tax Credit for additional savings.
Sun Wind, LLC - Alternative Energy Company offers incentive information and a complimentary site evaluation.
