Solar Advantages for DIY People

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Solar Advantages for DIY People
A complete switch to solar energy can be cost prohibitive to most Americans. But for the Do-It-Yourself types among us, a switch to solar energy can present monetary advantages.
This book from Earth4Energy explains how to make your own solar panels. It gives a good, simple explanation of how solar energy is [...]

More Net ZEH Success

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Tami
Tami and her family live in one of the most energy efficient homes in Bradley County, Tennessee. Her home was designed to be efficient from the ground up, with details such as:
• a radiant barrier to reflect summer heat away from the home,
• well insulated attic and wall space,
• Energy-Star appliances, and
• a [...]

More Net Zero Home Success Stories

Monday, October 27th, 2008

Success stories from Sustainable Future customers
I love seeing how others successfully incorporate solar energy as well as other renewable practices into their homes and lives.
See how this couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, made energy efficient changes to their home .
This East Knoxville home is an excellent example of the energy-efficient changes that can be made [...]

Reduce Home Energy with Solar PVs and Solar Hot Water

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

One Example of Net ZEH
Is it possible to create a net zero energy home by renovating an existing home?  Yes!  This 2,400 square foot house was built in the 1970s.   With a desire to live sustainably, the homeowners decided to set an energy budget of 10 kWh/day for their home. A budget [...]

How to Have Hot Water and a Lower Energy Bill

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Time to Get Your Energy Bill Out of Hot Water!
Heating water for your home accounts for roughly 25 percent of your home energy consumption. Since we are trying to reduce our home energy usage by 25 percent, we clearly need to do something about our hot water.

I will make a small confession here. I want [...]

What Potential Home Solar Energy Customers Need to Know – Part 2

Monday, September 1st, 2008

Can solar energy eliminate my electric bill?
A home solar energy system can lower or even eliminate your electric bill. Provided you have enough physical space, you can install a photovoltaic system that will produce as much electricity as you use. In that case you could zero out your electric bill.
The initial cost for a complete [...]