Alternative Power Solutions – 2.1 KW photovoltaic system

The Maxie Moderne townhomes each feature a 2.1 KW photovoltaic grid tied system.   This system is based on an estimated 900 kWh consumed per month that will offset 23%* of the average energy usage from the electric grid.  The turn-key system is designed, engineered and installed by Alternative Power Solutions.

Tax credits

Solar generation systems are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit on the installation cost through year 2016.  Complete details and refund forms are available on the Energy Star website.

Details on the Maxie Moderne townhomes development Solar Generation system

The system is placed on the 4th floor roof above the tree line and angled with the existing pitch of the roof towards the South at a 30 degree incline. Solar production is based on roof area that is free from shading between 9am – 3pm during the year.

• 12 Suntech Panels (175 Watt each)  in each array for 6300 Watts total (3 arrays)
• Residential Inverter – PV Powered DC/AC Inverter
• Location – roof mount above tree line South facing at 30 degree incline
• Peak PV required to perform 23% offset -  2.1KW DC
• System AC power rating – 1.62 KW AC
• Solar isolation for Houston area = 4.8 kW/sq meter, per day
• Estimated production rates 210 kWh per month

Typical Grid-tied system description

Solar array roof installation process

Step 1 – Brackets mounted after felt paper installed

Step 2 – Waterproofing flashings installed over each mounting bracket during roof shingle installation

Step 3 – Rails installed to mounting brackets

Step4 – Solar Panels installed to roof rack railing

Step 5 – DC to AC inverter mounted in the garage adjacent to the electric service panel with exterior safety disconnect located on backyard of each home.

* Usage based on a family of four.  Usage will vary based on how conservative individual homeowners are.

A tour of 2009 The New American Home

We visited the Builders Show in Las Vegas and were lucky to get to view The New American Home. Its an amazing showcase home that most of us would never live in, but the ideas and innovations in it are too be admired and someday will be commonplace in future homes

The 8700 square foot home spread across 4 floors with an elevator provides the home owners with many spaces to entertain and enjoy the open layout that flows in and out through the several wall to wall automatic doorways. Lavish as it is, the home aspires to be a zero energy home, producing as much energy as it uses. Some of the integral energy efficient features and design elements that make this zero-energy goal a reality include:

• 12-1/2″ thick Insulated concrete forms (ICF) were used predominately for the basement and structural walls providing insulating R-values up to 50
• Vertical and horizontal solar overhangs and window louvers enabled the home to achieve a Five Star-Plus HERS rating of 57
• 10.64 kilowatt solar panel system – powered by 56 Sanyo bifacial photo-voltaic panels which provide upto 18.6 watts/sqft
• Unvented attic sealed with open-cell spray foam insulation
• Tankless natural gas water heaters
• 40% of interior lighting utilizes LEDs or CFLs
• Swimming pool heated by a roof mounted Solar thermal water heating system

View complete details on the New American Home 2009

Solar thermal water heating panels for pool

Window ‘Eyebrows’ – horizontal louvers

Rejuvention Room surrounded by swimming pool

Solar panel covered outdoor patio with a flat screen and fireplace!

Master bathroom – with a flatscreen!

Master bedroom – zen garden

Aside from these energy efficient design components, the home features many conveniences including zen gardens surrounding the vanishing pool, swim up bar and outdoor kitchen, home automation and security system, central vacuum cleaning system, pet shower, 5 or 6 fireplaces, 7 or 8 flatscreen tvs throughout, a wine cellar, media room, and of course towel warmers in the master shower.