Tag: solar pv

Solar energy rebates available for Illinois homes!

Post author By admin
Post date November 13, 2009

Residential green building enthusiasts and LEED for Homes projects can rejoice as the state of Illinois has re-established their solar rebate program after a 1+ year hiatus.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced yesterday the opening of the Solar & Wind Energy Rebate Program. The rebates can total 30% for residential and business applicants, and 50% for public sector and non-profit entities with a maximum of $50,000. Applications will be due April 30, 2010. For more information, go to the IL DCEO website.

This is great news for those building LEED homes that are considering renewable energy systems. While a renewable energy system isn’t required for a LEED home, it can help lower the home’s HERS rating, which in turn translates to more points in the final LEED for Homes rating.

With the 30% state rebate, in addition to the 30% federal income tax credit, these incentives substantially reduce the initial cost for solar energy systems. For instance, a solar thermal system in Illinois can receive a payback period of around 7 or 8 years if installed a super energy-efficient LEED home! This is an important note: An initial investment in energy efficiency to improve building performance is necessary before adding any kind of renewable energy system.

Learn more about solar energy in Illinois by visiting the Illinois Solar Energy Assocation or by taking an introductory online course.

Tags solar pv, solar thermal

Financial resources for low income GHI Education Manager GHI Youtube Channel Subscribe list GreenStar Homes Certification Net zero energy conference On-Demand Green Home Videos

Free IL Solar Tour features LEED Homes

Post author By admin
Post date October 2, 2009

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is coordinating its annual Solar Tour on October 3, 2009. This year, several LEED for Homes projects are participating on the tour.

The Yannell house will be open for outside viewing only. This LEED Platinum home produces as much energy as it consumes over 12 months through the use of passive solar heating, geothermal heating (radiant and forced air) and cooling (forced air), solar thermal water heating with radiant heat boosting, and a 10kW PV system. The building was designed by Farr Associates and AA Services installed the renewable energy systems.

Gworek home in Wilmette uses Solar PV and Solar Thermal

Another LEED for Homes project that was recently completed and awaiting certification is the Gworek residence in Wilmette. The site will be open to the public between 10am and 3pm on Saturday October 3rd. It will be a Full Tour: Visitors are welcome inside to see the mechanical components of the system.

There are many other homes on the tour as well. Best of all, it’s a free chance to see how renewable energy systems work in Illinois. http://tour.illinoissolar.org for details.

Tags gworek, solar pv, solar thermal, yannell

Financial resources for low income GHI Education Manager GHI Youtube Channel Subscribe list GreenStar Homes Certification Net zero energy conference On-Demand Green Home Videos

Michigan’s second LEED Platinum residential remodel.

Post author By admin
Post date April 7, 2009

The Nautilus House sprung from a need to fix a leaky roof, and a vision for energy and water independence on a beautiful wooded building site. Form follows function in this building designed to capture sunlight, water, and air currents. Like a
nautilus, it unfolds in an organic shape spiraling upward and outward on the original foundation, with existing materials and spaces re-inventing themselves within and around the structure. The owner, architect and builder worked together to
create a unique vision of home that will become Michigan’s second LEED Platinum residential remodel.

View/Download Complete Project Profile Here

All water from house collected and re-used. 600 gallon tank for a exterior shower on one side, and a 400 gallon recycled grain hopper on the other side. The shower can also be used to water plants, as can the grain hopper, and both overflow to rain gardens on the lot. The house recycles the heated air radiantly through an advanced duct system Energy Recovery Ventilator. The form and openness of the home also take advantage of another product of solar energy – wind – to create convective currents that cool the home passively. A 4 kW Solar Photovoltaic’s system with Sharp fixed panels and a Sunny Boy inverter.

Tags Ann Arbor, geothermal, gut rehab, leed for homes, LEED Platinum, Meadowlark Builder, michigan, solar pv

Financial resources for low income GHI Education Manager GHI Youtube Channel Subscribe list GreenStar Homes Certification Net zero energy conference On-Demand Green Home Videos

Vanessa Way LEED for Homes Platinum

Post author By admin
Post date March 22, 2008

Designed by Image Design LLC and constructed by Hybrid Homes LLC, both of Western Michigan, the home is built with insulated concrete forms and uses Andersen Windows’ 400 series to complete its extremely air tight, energy efficient shell. A solar hot water system and wind generator help the home conserve and produce its own energy. Green building products used in the home include finger jointed studs, CertainTeed cement board siding with fly-ash added to it, and solar reflective asphalt shingles.

This home is one of 37 Michigan projects that have been certified under the LEED for Homes program. It is the first Platinum level home certified in West Michigan and only the 23rd in the nation.

The home was built by Adam Bearup of Hybrid Homes, LLC (Muskegon) who is well known throughout the State for his commitment in building LEED Homes and designed by Eric Hughes of Image Design, LLC (East Grand Rapids) who is recognized for specializing in sustainable residential design. For more information please visit www.wmhybrid.com or www.imagedesignllc.blogspot.com

Located in Onekama, Michigan, just minutes north of Manistee ‐ 3047 Vanessa’s Way incorporates the following features:
• Low‐E argon gas filled Andersen Windows
• CertainTeed cement board siding
• High efficiency lighting fixtures
• Compact fluorescent bulbs
• ICF construction
• Soy based insulation
• Passive solar design
• Solar Hot water
• Radiant floor heat
• Wind generation
• Programmable thermostats
• Mechanical ventilation
• Zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint
• Bamboo and cork flooring
• Radon venting
• Barrier free/Lifetime Design
• Dual flush TOTO toilets
• Energy Star appliances

Tags Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's), leed for homes, LEED Platinum, michigan, Onekama, Renewable Energy, solar pv, solar thermal

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