[Ourdreamhouse]

Originally Posted by JViello

I have nothing against them, but I also don't want to pay for your solar panels. Please do not use state (our) money to do so.

Thanks.

I find that i ususally agree with your comments and opinions; in this case, i respectfully disagree. I've come to believe that columnist Tom Friedman is right: the development of American competency/strength in the emerging alternative energy industry is the best chance for our economy -- and perhaps American way of life -- over the next 100 years. There may still be some disagreement about the concept of global warming; that's not relevant here. Regardless of global warming, no one would disagree that we (the U.S.) would be dramatically better off if we weren't sending $700 million per year for imported oil to countries that don't like us very much. it would be to our great advantage to be an exporter of alternative energy technology, rather than an importer.

Because of this, i applaud Connecticut's program of financial support for the installation of solar collectors. This support promotes greater demand for solar products, greater familiarity and commitment among the populace, and greater likelihood of significant innovation, which will bring costs down. Strategically, i believe that this is a much better use of tax dollars than the construction of new highways, new airports, or new office buildings for the state bureaucracy.

Originally Posted by seymourct

Yes, we recently shopped for solar and opted not to go that way. If the home your buying is not facing the right way ~forget it they don't work well. If you want the solar electric panels then it will likely take up most of the roof (ok if you like the way that looks)....(Y)ou can make a little money if the system makes more electricity than your family uses, 'cause the power company buys the extra.

We were told almost no homes have enough roof area to have both systems and the costs are huge even with the rebates.

It's important to understand that solar panels shouldn't be considered unless you already have a well-insulated, energy efficient house, including appliances. If your house leaks like a sieve then you've got the cart before the horse. Invest your money in a highly efficient house, then think about solar panels on your roof.

[AaronCT]

I would also think about geothermal heating. It's the most cost effective heating/cooling system around.

"In recent years, the term geothermal heating has frequently been used to refer to the heating and cooling that can be achieved through the use of a geothermal heat pump. This technique is generally for residential use. It involves a refrigerant liquid being pumped through pipes in the ground, heating the liquid. This liquid then is brought back into the house, and the heat exchanged. The same technique is used to cool the house. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the natural constant temperature of the earth. During winter when the ground temperature is warmer than the air above it, geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s soil (or groundwater) to recover the earth’s heat. In contrast, an air-source heat pump will remove heat from the cold outside air and thus requires more energy.
In the summer months, geothermal heat pumps deliver heat to the same relatively cool soil (or groundwater) rather than delivering it to the hot outside air. As a result, the heat is pumped over a smaller temperature difference with a geothermal heat pump and this leads to higher efficiency and lower energy use."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_heating

[steph3kids]

[quote=AaronCT;6243204]I would also think about geothermal heating. It's the most cost effective heating/cooling system around.

Any recommendation on a company that uses this kind of system?
Sounds interesting.

thanks

Steph

[AaronCT]

I would do a web search.

Here's a one company.
http://www.connecticutwells.com/residential.aspx

Geothermal will only be cost effective if you are building from scratch or thinking about changing your new home's furnace/ac unit anyway.

[steph3kids]

Originally Posted by AaronCT

I would do a web search.


Geothermal will only be cost effective if you are building from scratch or thinking about changing your new home's furnace/ac unit anyway.

Thanks, the house is almost finished. So I guess that is not an option.

I talked to people from 3 different companies about the solar panel.
It seems like the best idea will be to wait for at least a couple months to have a better idea of what we need.

Steph

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by AaronCT

Geothermal will only be cost effective if you are building from scratch or thinking about changing your new home's furnace/ac unit anyway.

I owned a home with a 'geothermal' heat pump.

An underground line sprung a leak, and the cost of the excavation to replace it wiped out everything I had ever saved in heating and cooling costs.

[wavehunter007]

I just thought I would mention, with all the interest in solar/green energy methods…. don’t overlook “PASSIVE SOLAR” energy designs.

For those not aware of what passive solar design is – this is when you use the suns seasonal orientation, landscape design, thermal mass storage, and window size/design to maximize and minimum solar energy.

The Eastern Seaboard of the United States (south of Massachusetts) is one of the sunnier areas of the USA in winter. Unlike the Pacific NW (northern California to Washington), the Great Lakes, the Ohio Valley, and New England….the Eastern Seaboard enjoys a large amount of solar energy in the deep winter months. Additionally, because truly severe cold (below 10 F or so) is a relatively rare occurrence along the Atlantic Coast from CT south… a simple passive solar energy design, need not create much energy to boost a sunny midwinter 44 F day into a comfortable 65 F interior temperature. I pasted a solar map (hours of sunshine).The dot shows CT. We have a sunny climate in winter in Connecticut compared to many areas of the USA.



In my living room (22X16) large thermal windows let in so much heat (and the thermal mass stores some of it)…that I can turn off my furnace on many sunny days in Dec- Feb. I only burn about 350 gallons of oil a year to heat the 1450 sq. foot house from November to April 1st or so. Once the hot season comes (May – September) of course large deciduous trees block out much of the strong sun and shade the room, while large windows let in a breeze keeping it relatively cool. With the price of oil now down to around $2.00 a gal, I expect to only pay about $700 for the whole winter to heat my house.

If you google “Passive Solar Design” you will see that most passive solar designs are simple, cheap, and do-it-yourself. Passive solar design…will work to some extent, on ANY HOUSE, regardless of size, shape, or solar orientation. You would be amazed what results you can achieve by trying to work with the sun and the seasonal climate.

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by wavehunter007

The Eastern Seaboard of the United States (south of Massachusetts) is one of the sunnier areas of the USA in winter.

That's a really interesting graphic! I moved to CT from one of the darker areas on the map, and I have seen more winter sunshine here. I didn't realize it was a persistent climatic feature.

Thanks for posting that.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by Ourdreamhouse

I find that i ususally agree with your comments and opinions; in this case, i respectfully disagree. I've come to believe that columnist Tom Friedman is right: the development of American competency/strength in the emerging alternative energy industry is the best chance for our economy -- and perhaps American way of life -- over the next 100 years.

I'm not in disagreement with that...I just dont' think the state should be funding such projects on a personal level. You want to fund some research venture? Okay. Perhaps a tax break for installing such panels on your home...fine.

But outright funding? Nope not for me.

I'm more along the lines of Jefferson's mindset that said Government should only be responsible for defending our borders, upholding our laws and delivering the mail. lol

FYI for reference being that I'm on the Eastern CT mountain ridge, I'm currently figuring out how to design my own vertical wind turbine from this model so I'm not against conservation on a personal level. I'm just more about personal responsibility.

Turby wind turbine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[sunny season]

I agree to Tom Friedman's saying that govenment should make it way to promote more alternative energy.