Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Water Heating, Passive Solar Design: Stitt Residence

Single-Family Residence - January 2006

Solar energy generates our electricity, heats our water, warms our home in the winter and helps us reduce our carbon footprint to create a healthier planet!

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$1,600

Energy Needs Met

75% to 99%

of electricity

Property

Owner:: Orlo and Mary Stitt
Type:: Single-Family Residence
Address:: 10068 Sunridge Circle, Rogers, Ar 72756
Size:: 3,295 sq ft
Energy need met:: 75% to 99% of electricity
Event Participation:: ASES National Solar Tour 2015 Host

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: January 2006
Size of System:: 3.06 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Annual Savings:: $1,600
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase

What You Need to Know

Description:

Our entire home functions as a complete energy system. It was designed and built to use both passive and active solar technologies. Active technologies include a 3.06kW PV system with 8 AGM batteries for uninterrupted power backup and a solar water heating system. Passive technologies include south-facing windows and operable skylights for flow-through ventilation.

Other Benefits:

Joy and feelings of personal satisfaction and independence!

Maintenance Requirements:

Minimal - check batteries weekly.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Our home is built with insulated concrete forms from foundation to roof, and we used a radiant barrier and spray foam insulation in the attic. We chose a high-efficiency air conditioning unit; an EPA approved wood-burning fireplace; energy-efficient window coverings; Energy Star appliances; and LED light bulbs. Our home is handicapped accessible and built to be our home for life.

My Motivation:

Long-term economic savings; environmental sustainability; climate change; wind-storm resilience; and a desire to live comfortably in our home as we age.

Advice:

Invest in energy-efficiency first then clean power generation.

Experience with Installer:

Factors that drove our choice included product quality, the availability of technical and service support after the installation, and product warranties.

Additional Notes:

Our property is located in the first energy-planned, solar oriented subdivision in Northwest Arkansas.

Open House Info:

Saturday, October 17, 2015: 9am - 1pm Sunday, October 18, 2015: Noon - 4pm Our home will be open so guests can see all of the energy-efficient features, materials, and renewable energy systems we use to be near net-zero.

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