When designing a building or building a new home, there are many decisions to be made. Most folks today are aware of how different choices affect efficiency, and are looking for ways to maximize efficiency. To determine if a solar thermal system is right for your project, there are many factors to consider. These systems can be used in applications throughout the United States, but may have particular advantages in these scenarios:

Locations where energy costs are high

If the area where you’re building experiences particularly high energy costs or there is only access to one energy type, solar thermal is an excellent solution. Gas water heating is typically cheaper than electric, so if gas is not available in the area, electricity is your only option for traditional water heating. Solar thermal system installation will allow you to avoid high electricity prices and offer more options for your water heating solution.

There is a need for consistent hot water

Many types of commercial facilities have a consistent need for hot water for operations, such as in laboratories, hospitals, or housing quarters. Because of the hot water demand, energy expenses are high for water heating in these applications. Solar thermal systems can allow a facility to significantly cut their hot water expenses, and should be considered when designing such a facility.

Energy security is a necessity

When designing a building, energy availability must be considered to ensure the facility can receive adequate energy to power their hot water heating system as well as other vital systems. In remote areas, energy sources may not be available or are lacking. In some parts of the world, energy supply is not always a sure thing. Solar thermal systems reduce a facility’s energy dependency by allowing the facility to produce most of its hot water with very little energy use.

If you’re about to build, Smith Sustainable Design can help you determine if solar thermal is right for your application. We’ll walk you through solar thermal system basics, as well as the particular advantages in your scenario.

One stigma about installing a geothermal heat pump system is the cost- many homeowners assume that these systems are out of their price range. In reality, there are many factors which need to be considered in order to accurately quote the price of a geothermal heat pump system. Different homes have different needs, and some may have qualities that can affect the cost of the overall system.

Does your home have duct work?

If your home has existing duct work which can be used with a geothermal heat pump system, this may reduce the overall system cost. If your geothermal heat pump system installer determines that your duct work is ideal for use with the new geothermal heat pump, you can avoid the cost of running a new duct system through your home.

What’s your heating and cooling load?

The heating and cooling load of your home will play a large part in determining the size of geothermal heat pump system you’ll need. A larger system is typically more expensive than a smaller one. In order to determine the size of geothermal heat pump your home will require, we conduct Manual J calculations to assess the exact amount of heating and cooling your home will need.

Is your property suited for a ground loop?

The geothermal heat pump system uses a ground loop to collect geothermal energy to heat and cool your home. Laying the ground loop will account for a portion of the installation price. Excavating must be done and equipment costs accounted for. We look at the soil conditions and landscaping or structures which could obstruct the ground loop. These factors play a role in determining how the ground loop will be installed, and the final cost of your system.

If you’re interested in a geothermal heat pump system, don’t guess at the cost. Smith Sustainable Design’s team of expert system designers can provide you with an accurate estimate of costs- which may be lower than you think!

Many institutional building designers are incorporating the benefits of solar installation into the design of these facilities. Solar installations can help reduce the cost of power used significantly, generating more savings for everyone affected. Because of the amount of electricity needed to power a school building, going solar has tremendous benefits for these institutions.

In nearly every state, there are schools which have gone solar and are now generating electricity for their own use. Solar installations and equipment prices have dropped over the last few years, making them more affordable for school systems to utilize. Solar installations provide numerous benefits for schools which use them.

These systems reduce the amount of utility power required to light, heat, and cool a school, as well as power used for other needs. This ability to generate a large portion of the necessary power reduces a school’s expenses and greatly lowers utility bills. Generating their own power through solar installation also helps schools reduce their overall carbon footprint. By utilizing solar power in their facility, a school can also gain the opportunity to teach students first-hand about the power of solar energy and its benefits.

Schools are not only great candidates for solar photovoltaic systems, but also solar thermal systems. A solar thermal system can provide energy savings for the school’s water and space heating needs. Schools may choose to start with small scale solar systems which generate a smaller amount of energy, or a larger system.

Regardless of the type of solar installation, safety and quality are of the utmost importance for schools. A qualified contractor can perform a site survey in order to assess the structure of buildings and the suitability of the location for solar installation. Smith Sustainable Design performs solar installations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings.

In order for the solar heat panels to work properly and collect solar energy to heat your water, they must be exposed to the sun. There are a few issues which can affect the performance of this equipment, which are naturally occurring. Due to these issues, you may experience minor fluctuations in the performance of your solar heat panels.

Atmosphere

Some parts of the atmosphere absorb more or less light wavelengths, it’s not a steady amount throughout the entire atmosphere. How much light reaches the surface of the Earth depends on the amount of atmosphere it must pass through to get here, as well as the level of humidity. When the sun is higher in the sky, there is less atmosphere for light to pass through than when the sun is rising or setting. Factors such as clouds, fog, haze, and air pollution all create more matter for the sun’s rays to pass through. On a cloudy or overcast day, your solar heat panels won’t collect as much solar energy as they would on a sunny day.

Angle of Incidence

The angle at which the sun’s rays fall on an object is called the angle of incidence. Surfaces receive more of the sun’s energy when the angle of incidence is around zero. There is a solar window of about six hours in which solar heat panels can achieve the ideal angle of incidence and absorb the most solar energy each day.

Choosing a qualified solar heat panel installer can put your mind at ease. Smith Sustainable Design is an experienced solar heat panel installer, and our team takes these and other factors into consideration when designing a solar thermal system for your home. We design your system to achieve maximum efficiency despite naturally occurring issues.

If you have been looking into installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, you’re likely familiar with many of the benefits. Everyone has their own reasons for choosing this type of system, but many home and business owners agree on their reasons. Some are obvious, like energy efficiency and reduced operating costs, but some reasons are not as apparent. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons others are going geothermal.

Environmental Impact

Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize natural, renewable energy to heat and cool homes and businesses, meaning they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel burning systems.

Flexibility in Design

Whether it’s a new home or existing structure, a geothermal heating and cooling system can be integrated easily and inexpensively in either scenario. Existing geothermal heating and cooling systems can be easily expanded to fit additions and remodeling projects.

Safety

With no fossil fuels used, geothermal heating and cooling systems eliminate the danger of a gas leak or undetected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Life Span

A geothermal heating and cooling system typically has a life span much longer than forced air heating and cooling equipment. These heat pump systems can outlast forced air systems by 10 to 20 years.

Noise Level

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are much quieter than forced air systems which use fans and other equipment which can create noise during operation. A geothermal system makes about as much noise as a household refrigerator.

Versatility

With a geothermal heating and cooling system, there is no need to purchase and install both a furnace and air conditioner- the geothermal system is capable of providing for a home or business’s heating and cooling needs.

For many homeowners, the price tag associated with the equipment and installation of electric solar energy systems can be overwhelming. Options such as power purchase agreements and solar leases have become a popular way to avoid daunting upfront expenses while still harnessing solar energy at home. But, there is another option available which allows groups of homeowners to gain the advantage of buying electric solar energy in bulk, lessening the sticker shock of installation. Solar group purchasing is a great way for homeowners to save on electric solar energy by purchasing in bulk quantities.

Just like the bulk savings you can achieve by purchasing goods from a warehouse store that sells in large quantities, solar group purchasing offers the same benefits for the purchase of electric solar energy. By joining with a group of neighbors or an organization, the group purchases their electric solar energy systems together. While you still own your own system that generates power for just your home, multiple systems are effectively purchased together.

Combining forces and purchasing electric solar energy systems in bulk can save you money. When bulk system purchases are made in these scenarios, Smith Sustainable Design can pass on significant savings to group participants. You’ll save more on the equipment and installation of your electric solar energy system in this situation, compared to purchasing individually.

Another advantage of solar group purchasing is convenience. As with any major home improvement, there are many steps to deal with which can be very time consuming. When partnering with other customers, you can save time, energy, and hassles in the bidding process, selecting a reliable contractor, obtaining permits, and coordinating with the utility company. Solar group purchasing can make the process easier for all involved.

Installing a solar heat system has many benefits for homeowners and business owners. One of the biggest reasons people switch to solar heat is for the economic benefits. Let’s take a look at how solar heat installations help households save.

Solar heat installations do the same job as an electric or gas water heater, so you won’t be sacrificing any comforts. They can heat the same amount of water as a traditional water heater, and uses much less energy to do so. When faced with the choice to install an electric or gas water heater or a solar heat system, upfront costs are different. Typically, a solar heat installation can cost around $4,000.00 more than installing a standard water heater.

You need to consider the cost to heat water over the lifetime of the equipment in addition to the upfront cost. Research shows that solar heat installations use much less energy than an electric or gas water heater, which can account for up to 25 percent of a home’s energy use! A solar heat installation saves homeowners 50 to 85 percent on the cost of energy used for water heating each year. Plus, you’ll be spared added expenses when energy prices fluctuate.

The payback period of a solar heat installation is typically 4 to 8 years. After that, you’ll begin to accrue savings as long as the system lasts, which can be anywhere from 15 to 40 years! To determine a simple payback period, find the net cost of installation (the price you paid minus any tax credits or incentives) and the annual fuel savings. Divide the net cost of installation by the annual fuel savings to see your payback period.

Getting an estimate for a new solar heat installation is a solid way to begin determining what your exact economic benefits will be. Call Smith Sustainable Design today for quality solar heat installation.

Geothermal heat systems have a number of options which can be included with installation. One very beneficial add-on is a hydronic radiant floor heating system for a home. Enjoy warm, even temperatures and toasty floors in addition to low-cost heating for your home.

A hydronic radiant floor system is a popular and extremely cost-effective way to heat a home. The system uses a system of piping networked through floors. Heated water is pumped through the pipes, and emits warmth which radiates into the room above. Zoning valves can be used with thermostats to control temperatures in rooms individually.

When used with a geothermal heat system, hot water which is collected is then used in the hydronic radiant floor system. A radiant floor system provides much cleaner heating than a forced air system, as dust and pollutants are not blown throughout the home through a duct system. They are very design-friendly, as no special considerations must be made for ductwork and registers. Hydronic radiant floor systems offer silent operation, unlike forced air systems.

Geothermal heat systems and hydronic radiant floors offer convenient comfort throughout the home. As the system heats spaces, flooring also will have a slightly warm feel. Many homeowners find this to be a great feature, especially during the cold New Jersey and Pennsylvania winters. Radiant heat transfers heat to the room’s inhabitants, rather than the air.

When installing a geothermal heat system, you may also decide to install a hydronic radiant floor system to maximize your geothermal heat. Smith Sustainable Design is a qualified geothermal heat system installer with experience designing and installing hydronic radiant floor systems in homes and businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about energy efficient heating systems for your home.

Your roof isn’t the only location available for solar photovoltaic panel installation. Many homeowners and businesses are choosing to utilize carports and awnings as a prime location for panel installation. Not only do these parking structures keep vehicles cooler on hot days, but they provide a way to utilize open spaces for solar energy collection.

Solar photovoltaic panel installation cannot always be performed on a roof space for a variety of reasons. For instance, many commercial buildings simply do not have the roof space because other vital equipment is installed there, such as HVAC systems. Using a carport for solar photovoltaic panel installation is a flexible solution. This method can be used for homes and businesses alike.

Panels for a single-family home can be situated above a 1-car structure, while businesses can choose to install multiple carport structures throughout their parking area to capture solar energy for business operations. With solar photovoltaic panels installed via carport, energy captured and converted by the panels can easily be used to charge electric vehicles while parked! At home, this option helps cut back on utility expenses for charging. Businesses can use solar carports and charging stations to provide added convenience for customers and employees.

In addition to carports, solar photovoltaic panels can be installed over a space to create an awning or solar canopy for a patio. Not only can solar panels be used to offset electricity use, but the panels themselves can be used to create comfort and convenience in new ways outdoors.

Don’t be discouraged if you think your roof isn’t ideal for solar photovoltaic panel installation. There are many other options that are functional and convenience, which may also enhance your outdoor spaces. Smith Sustainable Design installs solar carports and canopies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania- contact us today to learn more. 

Solar thermal systems are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to harness solar energy. Installing a system like this is a major investment for homeowners, and the pros and cons should be examined. Having information about both the positives and negatives will allow you to make an informed decision.

Solar thermal systems: the pros

The use of free, renewable energy- solar energy won’t be depleted like fossil fuels will be. Plus, you don’t have to pay for the use of the sun’s energy, like you do with utility power.

Installation incentives- installing a solar thermal system may will qualify you for federal tax credits which can reduce overall installation costs.

Quick payback period- solar thermal systems have a relatively quick payback period, especially compared to other energy efficient systems like solar electricity. Homeowners generally recoup the installation costs of a solar thermal system in 4 to 6 years.

Low maintenance costs- solar thermal systems are low maintenance, and generally have lower maintenance and repair costs versus a traditional tank hot water heater which is powered by gas or electricity.

Solar thermal systems: the cons

High upfront costs- compared to a traditional water heater, the upfront costs of a solar thermal system is much higher, which can be off-putting for some.

Backup power- not all areas can provide enough solar energy for a solar thermal system to create all a household’s hot water year-round. In the winter when temperatures are much lower, backup power like gas or electricity may be required.

Needed protection- a solar thermal system has outdoor components which need to be protected from the elements. Overheating and freeze protection are a must to ensure the proper operation and long lifespan of your system.