Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for the ‘Alternative energy’ Category

I don’t think about my home in investment, payback, or IRR terms, but that’s not to say it’s bad to consider these things.  For instance, you can renovate an old bathroom to make it usable, beautiful, or more efficient, but you can also renovate the same bathroom to try to capture some kind of future return.  If you’re thinking about the $$$ that goes in and comes out of certain green home improvements, perhaps you’ll find this 1BOG infographic useful:

So what’s the estimated payback of popular green home improvement projects?

• 0.6 years – programmable thermostat
• 0.9 years – high-efficiency showerheads
• 1.5 years – sealing/insulating ducts
• 2.5 years – low-E windows
• 2.5 years – insulated walls
• 3.2 years – whole house filter
• 3.8 years – furnace replacement
• 6.7 years – smart or reflective roofing
• 7.3 years – radiant floors
• 7.5 years – thermal mass floors
• 8.9 years – solar hot water
• 10.0 years – green roof
• 10.0 years – geothermal system
• 10.2 years – large scale water retention/conservation
• 10.8 years – solar for electricity

These estimates reflect an investment at full price and do not factor in savings associated with local or national tax incentives.  So there’s a bit of wiggle room to be had by folks industrious enough to find the right incentive or a better price.

[+] View the entire infographic at 1BOG.

Credit: 1BOG.

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Toba is an award-winning pellet stove designed in Italy by MCZ Group SpA in collaboration with EMO.  The simple, modern appliance can warm a space of about 1,800 square feet at more than 90% efficiency, according to Wittus, which announced plans in June 2011 to import Toba into the US.

Wittus says the wood stove has EPA certification and meets UL safety standards.  The stove is controlled with a remote to adjust things like heat output, room temperature, fan speeds, and a sleep timer.

Toba appears tiny in the picture above, but the stove weighs more than 300 pounds and measures 43” high x 20” wide x 20” deep.  It’s built with a rectangular body, black cast aluminum (top and base), black steel sides, and a cast iron door.  The front of the stove can be customized with red, white, black, and a couple other panels.

Specific pricing is available through Wittus dealers.  In addition, Toba is eligible for tax credit of up to about $300 that can be put towards the purchase price of the stove.

[+] More about the Toba wood pellet stove at Wittus.

Credits: Wittus.

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As the small wind industry grows, it’s becoming easier to buy certain models of turbines online and from big-box retailers.  For example, Southwest Windpower offers the Skystream 3.7 through Home Depot and now offers the Whisper 100 through Lowe’s.  Whisper 100 can produce up to 100 kWh a month in moderate to high winds, according to Southwest Windpower.

The 900-watt generator has carbon fiber blades and a rotor diameter of seven feet. The turbine weighs 47 pounds, cuts in at 7.5 mph, and produces 100 kWh/per month in 12 mph winds.  Whisper 100, like other models in the Whisper line, is suitable for powering things like batteries, remote homes, and water pumps.

The price of Whisper 100 varies by location and installation cost; however, I found it listed on Lowes.com for about $2,600.  Plus, purchasers may be able to take advantage of local, state, and federal incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit.

[+] More about Whisper 100 from Southwest Windpower.

Credits: Southwest Windpower. 

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Today, the Solar Decathlon officially opens to the public and the games begin.  The competition is organized by the Department of Energy, and 19 teams have invested more than two years of effort to design, build, and operate solar-powered homes that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive.  The winner will be the one with the highest score after the following ten contests:

• Architecture contest (juried)
• Market Appeal contest (juried)
• Engineering contest (juried)
• Communications contest (juried)
• Affordability contest (juried)
• Comfort Zone contest (measured)
• Hot Water contest (measured)
• Appliances contest (measured)
• Home Entertainment contest (measured and juried)
• Energy Balance contest (measured)

Make sure to pay attention to the affordability contest, which is new this year.  Each team submitted a list of materials used in their home and that will be priced out.  Homes valued below $250,000 will get full points.  Teams will lose points as the home becomes more expensive.

Also, the homes this year are a lot bigger than in previous years.  Visitors should really get an idea what it’s like living in a solar-powered green home.

[+] Learn more about the Solar Decathlon event.

Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. DOE. 

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