McNicholas meets the challenge of ensuring that homeowners can use every electrical system and appliance simultaneously—hot tubs, pool heaters and filtration systems, central air conditioning (AC) and kitchen appliances—by providing support for maximum power draws. “PV systems, which use solar panels made of silicon to convert sunlight into energy, are the Cadillac of solar technology, and they make the most sense when you have either built or retrofitted your home using the design principles that Marie used,” says McNicholas. He notes that less expensive first steps include cutting back on energy usage by replacing outdated heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and old appliances. “I find it odd that some of my clients want to spend $30,000 for a PV system but balk at spending $1,500 to replace an old refrigerator and save $25 a month on their utility bill.” According to Dominick Zito,

sales manager for FAFCO Solar En- ergy, a 36-year-old Cape Coral com- pany specializing in solar, going green is essential for a sustainable future. “Last year, going green with sustain- able energy was more of a trend; now, with the 30 percent federal credits, it’s a more serious consideration for homeowners and business owners,” says Zito, who emphasizes that the opportunity to shave 30 percent off the purchase price makes this a good time to install a hybrid solar AC system or a whole-house PV electric system. Less expensive purchases, which are also effective in reducing utility bills, include self-contained solar attic fans installed on the roof; solar tubular skylights; solar pool heaters and pool pumps; and solar hot water heaters. “For a homeowner or business owner who needs to re- place them, some of these items are a no-brainer when it comes to energy savings,” adds Zito.

Pursuing Additional

Green Options

Stephen Purciello, owner of Purciello

Homes, was building homes in a local green development project until the

in or spray-foam insulation and window film,” remarks Wilson. Installing the insulation and win- dow film means that a smaller, less expensive AC system will be needed.

Another consideration on the

Green Bedroom by Purciello Homes

real estate downturn. Today, most of his clients approach him for a standard home remodeling project. Initially, few homeowners are interested in green ret- rofits, so he subtly educates them about the benefits of better insulation or low VOC paints. “People are curious to find out if the paint has the same quality, since something has been removed,” says Purciello, who notes that it is still challenging to engage upscale contrac- tors in discussions about the origins of imported wood products or the subject of the Forest Stewardship Council, which regulates the way forests are grown and harvested and how workers are treated. By discussing the benefits of a healthy and energy-efficient home, Purciello finds that contractors and prospective clients are more open to considering new options. Before he begins a remodeling

project, Purciello encourages his clients to take advantage of Florida Power & Light’s free energy audits. “I let them know that this is a good place to start, because older homes generally have insufficient insulation and gaps in win- dows and doors that leak heat and air conditioning,” he explains.

The Florida Green Team, a

division of ComfortTemp LLC, which provides solutions for energy effi- ciency and solar energy applications, also offers a free Home Energy Audit. Owner Reed Wilson points out, “In most cases, we can show you how to reduce your home energy consumption by up to 50 percent, with solutions like high-efficiency air conditioning and solar energy systems, as well as blown-

natural awakenings

April 2010

31

average homeowner’s or home- buyer’s mind is a rainwater har- vesting system. “Our clients are environmentally conscious, con- cerned about doing what is right for future generations and self-ed- ucated on water issues such as the possibility of salt water intrusion,”

explains Steve Dellecave, co-founder

of Hurricane Water System, Inc. The

company supplies and installs water systems for purification, backup and collection and performs reclamation/re- cycling. “When we deplete our fresh water aquifers and the saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico seeps into them, there is no solution other than the pro- cess of reverse osmosis or desalination, which use extremely large amounts of energy, as well as specialized, expen- sive infrastructure,” cautions Dellecave. Today, the Arcys have a newly ac-

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