Solar Retrofit 2007
I have not updated my photos! Since this was shot, we have stuccoed the outside, and the roofing is on. There is also an overhang above the door. The interior is not finished, and the planting bed is still storage for construction materials. I have started plants for summer food and flowers, but the greenhouse is not in full use yet.
It did serve its purpose of heating the house, though! It pre-heated the air, cutting down on natural gas in the kids' rooms and on wood in the living room. I will have to play with the greenhouse next winter, because, with food growing in it, I may not be able to use that heat for the house. It may have to stay put to warm the garden. As my boss on a 350 acre farm said in 1981, 'It's all an experiment.' I take those words with me everywhere, and they certainly apply here.
All the windows are in. On the west and south sides, I have put in double hung windows and a door for summer ventilation. Velux roof skylights serve the same purpose. The solar panel is to the right.
Solar panel being installed. Like the greenhouse preheats air for the house, the sun preheats the water for the hot water heater. I have natural gas back-up for cloudy days or days of heavy hot water use.
When the heating season is over, I'll be able to fairly calculate my energy savings. I have already cut my wood down from 5-7 cords to about 2.5! I had R-30 insulation blown into the area above the living room. The original insulation had settled, and we disturbed some of it as we put in gas lines, removed old propane heaters and vents, and added an access panel. This additonal insulation cut down on heat loss incredibly! If you can do just one thing to save energy, add insulation in your ceiling.
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