Virtual Solar Tour 2014

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Deborah Armstrong
8 years ago
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1 Virtual Solar Tour 2014 Commercial Projects 1 - Project Name: EPD, Inc. Spring, TX Description: Two different solar generating products were used Uni- Solar and Canadian Solar. The customer requested a unique aspect for this project: the Uni- Solar PV mat attaches between the seams of the metal roof and adheres to the roof. Flexible, lightweight film cells, one of the new solar technology innovations, employs little to no silicon and can be applied to nearly any surface. Uni- Solar has created a solar film that looks like roof shingles. The cells are designed to blend into the conventional roof pattern, alongside asphalt shingles. Property size (sq ft): n/a Year Installed: 2012 System Cost (no credit): $0 (purchased at auction) System Cost (with credit): $0 (purchased at auction) Power Installed (kwp): 300 Power Generation (kw): n/a Annual Savings: n/a System Payback (years): n/a Solar System Installer: Freedom Solar Power Freedom Solar Power Architect/Designer: Freedom Solar Power General Contractor: Freedom Solar Power Website link: Credit: Freedom Solar Page 1 of 6

2 2 - Project Name: Street Lighting for the Greater East End Management District in the City of Houston Greater Third Ward, Houston, TX (inner city) Description: The street lighting system consists of two types of components: 146 high efficiency LED lights mounted on 14 foot poles and powered through underground wiring. Each fixture delivers 1600 lumens of light using only 16 watts of power. 16 solar generator structures located in un- shaded locations to maximize solar power harvest. Each generator has a solar array and an enclosure containing maintenance free solar batteries, charge controllers and inverters. Each generator distributes power to multiple lights through the underground wiring system. The generators contain sufficient battery backup capacity to ensure the lights function even after several days of cloudy weather. Most of the generators contain a 1,200 watt solar array and can power 16 lights. The neighborhood residents enjoy safer sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops, and parking from the pedestrian- level solar lighting in an active area of commerce, restaurants, and attractions. The new LED lights and solar generators are both functional and artistic. Property size (sq ft): n/a Year Installed: 2013 System Cost (no credit): $1.27 million Power Generation (kw): Each fixture delivers 1600 lumens of light using only 16 watts of power Solar System Installer: Ameresco Solar Architect/Designer: n/a General Contractor: n/a Photo Credit: Ameresco Solar Website links: end- streetscape; Credit: Ameresco Solar Credit: Ameresco Solar Page 2 of 6

3 Residential Projects 1 - Project Name: The Hide & Seek Home Pearland Description: The design strategy emphasizes passive sustainability attributes with a strong north/south orientation for ample passive ventilation and long roof overhangs for shading (and rain protection to encourage open windows) to reduce cooling loads as well as forming an ideal location for the Photo Voltaic arrays and for easy rainwater harvesting. The south/southwest facing roof was designed with a 6:12 pitch and oriented to take maximum advantage of sun angles to maximize PV panel slope for efficiency. The owners approved the use of Watt Hyundai MG 250 solar modules combined with 30 enphase M215 micro inverters for increased power production during partly cloudy days. According to data provided by Texas Solar Power Company, the estimated monthly value of electricity generated from the system is around $70.00/month and it will essentially pay for itself within 17.5 years. Non- toxic materials and construction practices were exclusively used to construct and finish the house and landscaping so as to provide a healthy environment for a growing young family to thrive. The home is a Registered LEED Gold home. Design for natural daylighting provides for delightful interior spaces which have distinctive craftsman style flair. This compliments the home's exterior, which is appropriately Bungalow Craftsman to suit the micro- climate of the home place site. Architect/Designer: Website links: Property is 1.6 acres; Building is 4,044 sq/ft 2013 $30,821 $21, kwp 600 kwh/month $ Texas Solar Power Company Texas Solar Power Company Environment Associates, LaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED AP Lacon Homes, Les Albin Credit: Environment Associates Page 3 of 6

4 2 - Project Name: GreenThwaite Spring, TX Description: Solar energy system installed on a metal- SIP roof over a zero- energy house. Architect/Designer: Website link: 1, $26,000 $18, $0 6 Homeowner - Kevin Carpenter Homeowner - Kevin Carpenter Credit: Kevin Carpenter Page 4 of 6

5 3 Project Name: Barnes Residence Stafford, TX Description: Circular Energy had the pleasure of installing a 9.62 kw solar PV system at this residence in the summer of The residents had actually invested in their first solar array, a 10 kw system, several years prior. Having enjoyed the benefits of solar, they then decided to install a second array to offset the remainder of their energy consumption and achieve net zero. This second array was installed on a porch that was purposefully designed for solar, with a low pitch and rectangular roof. Sustainability is a focal point in their lifestyle. Apart from solar, the homeowners have an impressive backyard garden where they grow everything from plums to potatoes. Architect/Designer: Website link: 2, $26,060 $18, kw (DC), 7.70 kw (AC) 12,234 kwh $1, Circular Energy Jason Thomas Jimmy Garrett Circular Energy Credit: Circular Energy Page 5 of 6

6 4 - Project Name: Fair Residence Inside the Loop - Southwest Description: This system uses 32 of the highest efficiency panels available on the market today to produce approximately 95% of the annual electricity needs of the house. The homeowner has been tracking the actual production since March and comparing it to usage. They expect their average annual electric bill to be under $150 per year. The system is on both the South (front) and West (side) of the house, and is easily visible from the street. The home was not designed specifically with solar in mind, but was fitted for solar during construction. Website link: 3, $47,000 $30,000 N/A 10.5 N/A 14 Tim Coats Credit: Page 6 of 6

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