ALL PRODUCTS

By Green Home Consulting
Once you’ve tackled the first two layers of the energy pyramid (the building envelope and mechanical systems), it may make sense to consider renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics (PV) for electricity or possibly solar thermal for hot water.
In past newsletters we have discussed ways to make your home do the work of saving energy by improving its tightness and adding insulation to the building envelope. This is the all important first layer of the energy pyramid and results in the greatest savings for dollars expended. Next you should maximize efficiency in the mechanical systems such as hot water heating and heating and air conditioning since these are the greatest uses of energy in your home. But once those pyramid levels are optimized, what about addressing long term electrical needs?
Even with more efficient light bulbs and Energy Star appliances, our demand for electricity is growing exponentially with technological advances and even electric cars. Plus, geothermal and other heat pump systems run on highly efficient electric pumps and thus are a perfect pairing with solar PV.
The Federal government is offering a 30% of cost tax credit through the end of 2016 and New York and Connecticut both have substantial rebates to reduce the cost of solar installations.