West Hill Shop - Putney - VT

Commercial - January 2011

Our 28.2 kW PV system is the final step in our sustainability plan for our small business, generating all our energy needs, plus some extra to take advantage of GMP's payback policy.

Quick Facts

Energy Needs Met

100%

or more of electricity

Energy Needs Met

100%

or more of space heating

Property

Owner:: West Hill Shop
Type:: Commercial
Address:: 49 Brickyard Lane, Putney, VT 05346
Size:: 2,400 sq ft
Energy need met:: 100% or more of electricity; 100% or more of space heating
Designations:: Zero net energy
Event Participation:: NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host; NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: January 2011
Size of System:: 28.2 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: Moser Baer
Installers:: Soveren, Inc.
Financing:: USDA, US Department of Revenue
Builders:: Webster Construction

What You Need to Know

Description:

Geothermal heat pump Putney, VT: One of the oldest and most prestigious bike and ski shops in America has moved closer to petroleum-energy independence. The West Hill Shop in Putney, VT has capped off a seven-year sustainability plan with the installation of an electric solar system that may make it the first bike shop in America to be net-zero. Diny and Jim Sweitzer bought the shop from its original owner Neil Quinn in 2004 and immediately began to plan for the future. "I had a vision to one day be fully sustainable in terms of energy use," states Jim. "In 2006 we erected a super energy efficient timber frame structure designed and built by local timber frame legend Tedd Benson. The timber frame structure uses sustainable materials throughout with the insulation value of its ceiling rated R30 and walls R20." That same year the Sweitzers added a ground-source water-to-water heat pump system (totally electric) to heat the new building (the old shop is still heated with a wood stove). Now the third phase of their sustainability plan has been realized with the installation of a 28-kilowatt photovoltaic electric solar system. Jim states, "The system was engineered and installed by SOVEREN (Southern Vermont Renewable Energy) and will cover all of our shop's electric needs PLUS an extra 14% in capacity that will go back into the grid. "

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Loose Fill Cellulose Daylighting, Non-Toxic Products, Radiant floor heating

Open House Info:

Exit 4 (northbound) off I-91, Putney, Vermont. Shop is immediately adjacent to the off ramp, on Brickyard Lane.

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