Making our own power.

Today I had a site visit from a representative of Standard Solar, one of the new and local green energy businesses in the DC Metro area.

We live in a home that was built in 1929. Energy efficiency is not something that was really a part of home building then – the insulation is woefully insufficient, the window frames are drafty, and the fact that it is a multi-level structure means that comfortably (and evenly) heating and cooling the house is a significant challenge.

We bought the house in 2005, enamored of the bright airy feel and cosmetic updates completed by the previous owners. Needless to say, cosmetics don’t help the utility bill; in fact, many of the changes made to the home such as additional lighting, central heat and air, and outdoor landscape lighting simply increase the energy use and the carbon footprint of our little patch of paradise.

Right away, we started making some changes. More energy efficient appliances were the first things we added. We didn’t purchase all Energy Star appliances, due to our budget at the time, but we were mindful of the energy ratings on everything we purchased. While we wouldn’t have installed the central air/heat unit in the manner the previous owners chose, we also realize that in a few short years we’ll need to replace the whole thing. Insulation, caulking, and CFL bulbs have all been added, and yet our utility bills are still significant. What we do have working for us is plenty of bright, sunshiny roof space.

Here is what we learned in today’s visit with the fine folks at Standard Solar:

1. Our available space to place panels is large enough for panels that can offset more than 50% of our electricity usage.
2. Our energy usage, for our square footage, is below average.
3. The cost of the panels and installation, after state grants and tax credits are realized, will be paid back through electric cost savings in less than 5 years.
4. Standard Solar has extremely knowledgeable staff, ready to help us wade through the maze of grants and tax credits.
5. Once in place, the use of solar energy means we will be using far less energy from coal. This makes me very happy.

This is just the beginning of our planning. I’ll be posting updates as they occur. Sphere: Related Content