PV Gap

Philip Said:

I am thinking of adding solar energy to my home, where can I find sound advice and reasonable priced product.?

We Answered:

Before you do anything, check with local codes to see if you are aloud battery back up. I live in the north east and this part of NY does NOT. So unless I'm home during the day, solar for me would be useless. Once the sun goes down, I'd be back on the grid. And make sure you have all the proper disconnects to prevent a dangerous backfeed into the grid system during traditional power outages. This could be VERY dangerous to the lineman. These systems start at 12 volts, your transformer makes it 120, then the grid transformer makes it either 4160 or 13200, depending on the grid in your area. So please check with local codes before you start. The battery back up clause in this area, I think, is to deter people from doing it. So here it is only plausible on commercial buildings where they're in use during the day.

Bertha Said:

how can building a zero energy home affects on it's exterior?

We Answered:

For solar energy (PV cells, Passive or otherwise) orientation and latitude will have an effect on the structure. Latitude will effect:
1.) the the optimum angle the panels will be placed,
2.) Temperature concerns and the seasonal amount of Sun light.
3.) Snow loading and covering of panels. Will you need to use verticle panels to avoid snow coverage at the expense of teh optimum angle.
4.) Average outside temperature will didtate the energy requirements of the home. (Heating vs Cooling vs Lighting)

Energy requirements will dictate the size of the solar panels.
Type of system (PV, Active Hot water, Passive Heating) all have different efficiencies and would require different amounts of surface area.

A Trombe Wall Adds the cost of glass but doesn't provide a view as a stone wall is placed int=front of the glass.

PV electric panels will require some utility space for battery and charger equipment as well as safe storage and easy access for maintenance.

Active Hot water will require additiona utility space for a storage tank and pumps.