NESEA Zero Net Energy Building Award (ZNEBA) Runner-up. Super-insulated and very tight construction with large PV array powers all-electric house as well as electric car with lots of energy to spare. Open for 2013 GBOH Noon - 4 pm, Oct 5.
100%
or more of electricity
100%
or more of hot water
100%
or more of space heating
100%
or more of air conditioning
Property
- Owner:
- Carolyn & Kyle Cave
- Type:
- Single-Family Residence
- Address:
- 18 Kennedy Drive, Hadley, MA 01035
- Size:
- 2,700 sq ft
- Energy need met:
- 100% or more of electricity
- 100% or more of hot water
- 100% or more of space heating
- 100% or more of air conditioning
- 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:
- 20 kW
- Purposes:
- To generate electricity
Financial Details
- Own or Lease:
- Cash Purchase
- Additional Financial Notes:
Professionals & Suppliers
- Products:
- Suntech
- Installers:
- PV Squared Solar
What You Need to Know
Description:
Heat Recovery Ventilation HERS index with PV is minus 33. Tier III Energy Star rated. This super-insulated house is insulated with dense-pack cellulose. Double stud walls are approx R-42. I-joist roof, also insulated with cellulose, is approx R-51. Basement walls are Superior Wall with integral foam and strapped cavity: R-37. Subslab has 4" rigid foam insulation: R20. The house is thoroughly air-sealed resulting in less than one air change per hour (blower door test of 0.92 ACH50 (499cfm)). Windows are triple pane Thermotech. This all electric home is powered by a 20Kw, grid-tied solar array. Heating and cooling by a Mitsubishi City Multi unit with woodstove backup heat. Hot water supplied by Stiebel-Eltron electric heat pump water heater. Fluorescent and LED lighting throughout. All appliances are electric, including induction/convection range. PV powers the house as well as our two-seater, all-electric Wheego car. Photo credit: Ned Gray Photography
Other Benefits:
House is bright, comfortable, and great for entertaining.
Maintenance Requirements:
PV system was checked after 1st year of operation finding no problems. No other maintenance of any systems has yet been required.
Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:
Alt Fuel Vehicle, Daylighting, Energy Star Appliances, Energy Star rated, Non-Toxic Products, Super Insulated Walls/ Roof
My Motivation:
Our primary motivation was environmental.
Advice:
Talk with people who have done what you hope to achieve. Many predecessors shared advice with us and we are happy to share as well.
Experience with Installer:
Our experience with our installers, architects, and builders was terrific. Excellent service was an important criterion and we found that in all those with whom we worked.
Additional Notes:
July 2011 - June 2012 total electricity production = 27,165.3 kWh July 2011 - June 2012 total energy use (house is all electric and total includes electric car) = 9,680 kWh
Open House Info:
House is in north Hadley, MA. From I-91 N take exit 19 onto Rt 9 East. Proceed 2 mi turn left on Rt 47N. Proceed 5.1 mi and turn Right on Comins Rd. Take the first left on Shattuck then the second left on Kennedy. House is at the end of Kennedy. Open Noon - 4 p.m. Oct 5
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