Residence with many Renewable and Energy Efficiency upgrades

Single-Family Residence - January 2008

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$2,500

Energy Needs Met

25% to 49%

of electricity

Energy Needs Met

25% to 49%

of hot water

Net Investment

$23,000

Return on Investment

10.9%

Property

Owner:: John and Terri Cerveny
Type:: Single-Family Residence
Address:: 106 Pheasant Walk, Schenectady, NY 12303
Size:: 3,000 sq ft
Energy need met:: 25% to 49% of electricity; 25% to 49% of hot water
Event Participation:: NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host; NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: January 2008
Size of System:: 4.5 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $50,000
Value of Rebates:: $18,000
Value of Tax Credits:: $9,000
Net Cost of System:: $23,000
Annual Savings:: $2,500
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase

What You Need to Know

Description:

Grid Tied PV Traditional Colonial style home of about 3,000 square feet that has been upgraded with improved insulation, high efficiency natural gas boiler for new radiant heat system, 4.5 kW PV system, 160 ft. sq. flat plate solar thermal system, CFL and LED lighting, water barrels, PV solar awning, and more.

Maintenance Requirements:

Little to none. Hose off the pollen & dirt a couple times a year.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Batt/Blanket Fiberglass plus cellulose Alt Fuel Vehicle, Energy Star Appliances, Radiant floor heating, Rain Barrels

My Motivation:

Desire to generate our own energy and reduce GHG emissions.

Advice:

Get an energy audit first, fix the problems and only then proceed on to clean energy.

Experience with Installer:

Renewable Power Systems was terrific as was Allura Solar for the solar thermal system. Ed Bishop of Enhanced Living in Troy NY is outstanding for HVAC/boiler/radiant heat work.

Additional Notes:

My day job is with the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium and I've been trained by the Climate Reality Project to give Al Gore's talk on global warming.

Open House Info:

106 Pheasant Walk, Schenectady NY 12303. Pheasant Walk is located just off Carman Road (Rt. 146) about 1 mile north of Western Ave. (Rt. 20) in Guilderland.

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