Supporting this quest is a monitoring device called a CES system, which allows them to track their energy use, by circuit, for the whole house, on the couple’s laptop computers. In addition, it can gauge the effectiveness of the grid tied solar panel system’s output by measuring it against the power they are actually using (see sidebar, opposite page).
After ten months in the home, the Brubakers’ utility bill maxed out at $45 for one month, while their lowest statement returned a credit for $8. Over 10 months--several of which included triple-digit outdoor temperatures–their SOL house has consumed just over 2,000 kWh of power –a total many Austin homeowners in conventional homes might use in less than one summer month.
“We’re not quite to zero yet,” says Pete Brubaker, “but having the CES panel and tracking our use is a great feature to help us get there.”
Chris Krager notes that energy standards set by city regulations will mandate net-zero capability for all new Austin homes by 2015.
“Statistically, an average household consumes 25% to 30% of its power for what are called ‘miscellaneous loads’ – things such as hair dryers, plasma screen televisions, Wii. Keeping track will heighten awareness of where all the energy goes.
“Systems such as the CES will be standard as the cost curve for monitoring devices dips,” Krager adds. “Smart grid technology requires smart homes. And SOL Austin is already there.”
COMPUTERIZED ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS (CES) SMART DISTRIBUTION PANEL
This energy system offers customers an advanced energy management system that includes a control panel that operates from the homeowner’s own computer. CES allows for control and monitoring of a home’s electrical system, by circuit, and the software provides information on daily, monthly, and annual production/consumption, providing real-time knowledge of a home’s energy use and cost.
www.c-e-systems.com
GERKIN RHINO WINDOWS
Originally designed for commercial applications, these aluminum-framed windows offer superior resistance to air infiltration (.01 for fixed frames, .1 for sliders, as opposed to .3 or .4 ratings for other common residential windows). The 2 3/8” frames are thermally broken for improved thermal efficiency, and available in custom sizes and shapes to fit openings suited to modern home designs.
www.rhinoaustin.com and
www.gerkin.com
MERILLAT FUSION CABINETS
These Classic Fusion style cabinets, available in a range of wood finishes, fit comfortably in a modern environment, and have been KCMA-certified for their use of sustainably harvested materials and earth-friendly finishes and adhesives. They come with a 25-year limited warranty.
www.merillat.com
PREFERRED PRODUCTS
Although SOL product selections vary somewhat from unit to unit, here’s a list of products and systems that appear in many units:
Solar Panels
> Lighthouse Solar:
www.lighthousesolar.com
> Meridian Solar,
www.meridiansolar.com
Geothermal
> American Geothermal
www.amgeosystems.com
HVAC
> Mitsubishi “Mr. Slim” (mini-split, high SEER, ductless systems), installed by Austin Air Conditioning:
www.austinairconditioning.org
Insulation
> Icynene or SIP panels
Energy Management
> Computerized Electricity Systems
www.c-e-systems.com
> The Energy Detective (TED)
www.theenergydetective.com
Appliances
> Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bosch or LG, depending upon package purchased.
Fixtures
> Kohler (sinks and tubs), Toto (low-flow toilets)
Plumbing
> Kohler, Danze (low-flow)
Countertops
> Silestone
Concrete floor tiles
> Daltile
Bamboo flooring
> Ifloor
Paints
> Sherwin-Williams “Pro-Green200” (interior); “Resilience” (exterior)
07.2011
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