Natural Energy Workshop

Single-Family Residence - July 2010

100% solar lifestyle

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$2,000

Energy Needs Met

75% to 99%

of hot water

Net Investment

$4,500

Return on Investment

44.4%

Property

Owner:: Ed and Joanne Doerr
Type:: Single-Family Residence
Address:: 24090 Legion rd, Stonefort, il 62987
Size:: 2,000 sq ft
Energy need met:: 75% to 99% of hot water
Designations:: Passive house; Living Building Challenge; Zero net energy
Event Participation:: ASES National Solar Tour 2015 Host

Technology

Type:: Combined Heat & Power
Installed:: July 2010
Size of System:: 3.6 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity; To heat hot water

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $4,500
Net Cost of System:: $4,500
Annual Savings:: $2,000
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase
Additional Financial Notes:: built it from plans one doitsolar.com and my personal design

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: owner built
Installers:: diy
Financing:: none

What You Need to Know

Description:

I built it from plans on doitsolar.com A little mechanical background helps a lot. I designed and built our home

Other Benefits:

2 -3 x 7 panels heats an 80 gal regular hot water heater. the pump is pv driven with antifreeze solution. and A 16 panel 230 watt pv system half grid tied and half battery

Maintenance Requirements:

check fluid levels a digital thermometer and digital voltmeter show system operation. check battery water

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Home has all energy star appliances and some unique appliances. the home is pv powered with 2 inverters. Th light inverter is cycled off at night . Vehiles are solar charged or powered also a Chevy Volt is our main vehicle and is charged by excess solar power.

My Motivation:

research started in 1972 while in college

Advice:

100 % solar and a life living organically with natural is easier then ever. American marketing promotes a lazy lifestyle , where a little effort solves our environmental problems

Experience with Installer:

Im a do it yourselfer

Additional Notes:

100% solar goal house - -- - -shop - -- - -landscape - - - - - vehicles - - - Chevy Volt and electric converted truck and atv and currently building a solar ultralight aircraft.

Open House Info:

Open during solar tour and anytime by appoitment

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