Description:

Our 9 KW solar PV system includes 38 REC collectors, one SMA SunnyBoy inverter and 16 SMA micro-inverters. Monitoring is via SMA SunnyPortal. The first 5KW system was installed in 2008 and a second 4KW system in 2015. Our original passive solar home was constructed in 1984 to reduce the amount of energy needed for space heating only.

Other Benefits:

We've become more energy conscious so we've reduced electric consumption -- resulting in greater savings than originally projected and Zero Net Energy use currently..

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

To achieve Net-Zero-Energy use, we've upgraded our heating and air conditioning system to super high efficiency Fujitsu ductless mini-split systems which operate to minus 15 degrees F. The 9KW solar PV system takes care of all electric and HVAC energy use. The solar hot water system is backed up by a high efficiency heat pump water heater.

Additional Notes:

"Helios" is the architect's own custom-designed Net-Zero-Energy passive solar home featuring a sunspace, earth-sheltering, solar PV and solar thermal systems-- resulting in energy savings of 100% .

Open House Info:

National Solar Tour is the first Saturday in October of each year -- the home is open for tours that day from 10am to 4pm. From Route 80 take exit 34B (Route 15 North); eventually Route 15 becomes 2 lanes; continue to 4th traffic light (see red Chatterbox restaurant on your left); turn right onto County Route 565 N; go 3 miles to 2nd road on right and turn right onto Losey Road; go 1-1/2 miles and turn left at Fox Hill Road -- up hill to #19 on left. Parking area is up Fox Hill Rd. on right.

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