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Title: Remodel Green and Curb Your Energy Costs with Solar Energy
Author: Gwen Biasi, Stephanie Manola
Article:
Energy prices continue to climb, but the good news is that the
cost barrier to using green energy is dropping. People are
seeking out alternative energy sources that are abundant,
environmentally sound and cost effective. Technology continues
to evolve that helps us channel energy from the sun. The sun's
energy can provide space heating, hot water heating and
electricity for lights and appliances.
The U.S. is dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and
natural gas for its energy, and is highly reliant on foreign oil
imports. Since fossil fuels are of finite supply, meaning their
supplies will ultimately diminish to the point of becoming too
expensive or too environmentally damaging to salvage. Renewable
energy resources, however, such as solar energy, are
inexhaustible.
Solar Retrofitting Solar retrofits are solar energy applications
made for an existing home. Since solar energy is an endless,
environmentally friendly energy source, using it lowers utility
bills. When retrofitting, the first stage of the project is to
make a record as to how energy is currently used in the home so
that the right product may be chosen. Next, determine how much
sun is available. The amount of solar energy available to a home
is largely dependent on the time of year and your home's
location. For example, homes in the northern hemisphere need a
southeast to southwest orientation to maximize solar energy. You
will also want to assess sun availability by looking at what
obstructions there are on the south side of the home, such as
trees or taller buildings. Solar energy retrofit options may
include the active and passive solar, photovoltaics, wind, and
geothermal.
Passive Solar Heating Passive solar is the most cost effective
approach to maximizing the use of solar energy for your home.
Passive solar heating of homes is simple: it occurs when
sunlight passes through a window, and no additional equipment is
used to harness the energy. Passive solar applications use
building elements such as walls, windows, floor and roof in
addition to exterior building elements. Landscaping can control
overheating by providing shade, and provide windbreaks for
winter winds. Once heat is collected inside, a well-insulated
airtight "building envelope" helps prevent heat loss and allows
the sun to provide more of the heat needed by the house. Active
Solar Systems Active solar systems use solar collectors and a
pump or a fan to distribute the sun's energy. Active systems are
often used for heating water. The collector is a dark color to
absorb the sun's energy and converts it into heat. Some
collectors have a glass cover, collecting solar energy all year.
Domestic hot water requirements can be met in part by active
solar systems. In most cases solar energy will only provide some
partial water requirements during the winter, but most of the
summer season requirements. In most applications the solar
system is used to preheat for water going into a conventional
water heater. Outdoor swimming pools can be entirely heated by
solar systems, eliminating the need entirely for a supplemental
heater.
Photovoltaics (Solar Electricity) Sunlight converted directly to
electricity through solar cells is called photovoltaic (PV)
energy. Solar cells come in an assortment of sizes and will
produce electricity as long as sunlight shines on them. Solar
cells used for electrical generation are really just a more
sophisticated version of the solar cells used in calculators and
other small household electronic devices. PV cells generate
direct current (DC), meaning that to use PV generated
electricity directly, DC appliances and lights must be used.
These are most often used in recreational vehicles. In order to
use standard household appliances the power must be converted to
alternating current (AC), which is the form supplied by utility
companies. So, a solar electric system must be designed to
convert the power to AC.
Although prices have dropped dramatically in recent years, and
still headed downward, a PV system can still be expensive. They
are especially cost effective in remote areas away from power
grids, where you might need to generate your own electricity, or
in recreational vehicles and boats. If you do decide to install
a PV system, an electrical load analysis must be done to
determine capacity, paying careful attention to household
appliances that require electricity.
Geothermal Energy Geothermal or ground source heat pumps, take
stored solar energy from the soil and bodies of water. They rely
on electricity, but provide the equivalent of three times KW
heat for every kilowatt delivered. Heat pumps are reversible,
supplying cooling and heating, so they can be useful in areas
with significant cooling loads.
Think about Conservation While you're deciding what the best
options are in solar energy for your home, think about
conservation as well. Draft-proof your home and upgrade
insulation for optimum energy conservation. A remodeling project
is a prime opportunity to undertake those upgrades like wall and
ceiling insulation, air sealing, and installing new energy
efficient windows. New windows should be high performance
windows with low-e glass, gas fill and insulating spacers. You
can maximize cooling with roof overhangs that block direct
sunlight.
NARI members represent a select group from the approximately
800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying
themselves as professional remodelers.
The remodeling market, projected to be a $291.5 billion industry
in the U.S. in 2006, is expected to continue to experience
significant growth. It is estimated that more than a million
homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling.
NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily
subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers may wish to
search www.RemodelToday.com to find a qualified professional who
is a member of NARI. Consumers can also call the NARI National
hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's
brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional," or visit
www.RemodelToday.com and click on the homeowner's guide for more
information.
About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry
(NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the
remodeling industry. With more than 7,400 member companies
nationwide, the Association -- based in Des Plaines, Illinois --
is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry."TM For membership
information, or to locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling
professional, visit NARI's website at www.RemodelToday.com, or
contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.
About the author:
Gwen Biasi- Director of Marketing & Communications, NARI
Stephanie Manola- Marketing & Communications Assistant, NARI
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