This Habitat home is very special. It took 2 years to develop a cost effective, Energy Star constrution plan. It in Not a McMansion, it is meant for low income families who do not have lots of disposable income to waste on energy bills.
This building was designed as "Solar-Ready".
Many small details combine to make the solar equipment a straight forward installation. A header was let in under the siding for mounting the upper rails of the collectors. The Solar Patriot Energy Star rated collectors are immediately on the other side of the wall from the solar heat exchanger tank, which is just to the left of the radiant floor manifold. The pex tubing loops were attached to 4"
of high density insulation before pouring the concrete floor. And the manifold brought up to the wall opposite the solar array.
This installation used pre packaged solar pump loop and radiant floor loop and pump control panel. An experienced crew can do this install in two days without breaking a sweat. We plan to install Btu metering to data log the energy savings over the coming year. Working with Habitat for Humanity is worth the volunteering. Some of the most creative people you will ever meet give a lot of effort and it is worth every minute.
This installation in south west Wisconsin was a MREA new contractor training class. See: www.the-mrea.org for solar training opportunities. |
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It is said that the Proof is in the pudding. Here is the winter and spring Billed Amount for 7 months from Alliant Energy of Wisconsin. We are very proud of this Habitat Solar Humanity. The monies Not spent of Fossil Fuels can go to savings for a college engineering degree in Solar Energy Systems Design.
What ever happened to Jimmy's White House solar water heaters ?
------They went on to the Carter Library of course !. |
This solar home sponsored by:
Grant County Habitat for Humanity --- www.grantcountyhabitat.com
Timmerman's Talents Co. --- timmer@mhtc.net
Midwest Renewable Energy Association --- www.the-mrea.org
BTF Ltd ---www.btfsolar.com
