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Real Places for Real People, Real Solutions for Energy Independence
www.HoustonSolarTour.com This tour is hosted by Houston Renewable Energy Group (HREG) • City of Houston Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) • Discovery Green Conservancy Presented Nationally by American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org/www.NationalSolarTour.org With special thanks to Reliant Energy and TXU Energy
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR IN-KIND SPONSORS Houston as a Solar city Tour Coordinator Tour Coordinator Under the leadership of Mayor Bill White, becomes available here in Houston over the RDarchitecture, LLC Houston has come a long way to broaden the next several years, the true economics for solar way we think about energy to include energy power can be realized by the end-user, the Specializing in LEED and green residential projects. efficiency and renewable sources of power. consumer. Designer of the fi rst LEED Gold Home in Houston. On the energy efficiency front, we have Still the cost of solar power is quite a bit Kathleen Reardon • Susannah Devine upgraded our building codes for greater higher than the power we can purchase from Proud Coordinators of the 2008 Houston Solar Tour www.rdarc.com 713.432.7377 energy efficiency, we have implemented the electrical grid. As new technologies come retrofit programs for existing buildings to on-line such as thin film solar and fossil fuel reduce their energy consumption, and we are commodity prices continue to increase, there promoting green building standards to continue will be a cross over point in the near future.
Thank you for raising the bar. On the renewable energy front, However, folks installing solar systems today designing this are doing it for more than just savings on their Solar Tour handout the City through its purchase of 40 MW of Thank you for providing banking Texas Wind power is now recognized by the utility bill. They are doing it as a way of showing services and advertising 713.540.4698 www.LostArtGraphics.com EPA as the number one municipality in the independence and freedom from many of the nation for the purchase of renewable energy. issues surrounding energy today. And with respect to solar, the City of Houston Solar energy is available to us all here in GreenHaus Builders has been selected as a DOE Solar America City Houston today. It is free of global greenhouse this past spring to accelerate the development gases, free of rising utility costs, and free of Thank you for radio advertising of solar power in the region. Things are geopolitical issues. It is a great long-term
Thank you for radio advertising happening in Houston as we lead the way on investment for us as individual homeowners, energy efficiency and renewable power. as a community, and as a nation. Solar power is especially exciting here in Texas since solar generates power when we Cris Eugster, PhD need it the most, during those hot days when Chief Officer for Sustainable Growth air conditioning systems are running at full Mayor’s Office, City of Houston throttle. This is when power is most expensive since Texas power prices are determined by Thank you for radio advertising Thank you for advertising market clearing transactions driven by supply Also, special thanks to: and demand. As “time of use metering” HARC for creating the new Houston Solar Tour web site • Kelley Wright, Standard Renewable Energy for coordinating PR Stephanie Edwards-Musa, www.turninghoustongreen.com • Discovery Green and Whole Foods Market • City of Houston
Boyer Residence seabrook intermediate closed due to Hurricane Ike 1406 Thornwood, Houston 77062 10am-2pm Science magnet program Description of installation: Seabrook Intermediate is Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 3.4 kW 2401 Meyer Rd., Seabrook, 77586 one of 16 schools in Texas to receive a small-scale solar energy Installer: Standard Renewable Energy Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 1.1 kW systems from the State Energy Conservation Office, along with Date installed: October 2007 Installer: CSG Date installed: 2003 a renewable energy educational curriculum. Green Mountain System cost: $24,733 Approximate energy provided: 1000kWh/yr Energy also provided matching funds for the 1.1 kilowatt Approximate energy provided: 4,046 kWh per year Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $200/yr photovoltaic system. The PV array is connected to the building’s Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $809.20 electrical supply system with a Sunny Boy inverter and is Tour of exterior only clearly visible from the front of the school. The array consists of 8 SP-140-PC modules. Students at the school can download their system’s data from the Internet each day at http://www.soltrex.com. Description of installation: This home includes a 3.4 kW DC solar PV system with 20 BP170 modules grid-tied with a SunnyBoy 3300. The system consists Owner’s Notes: In the 1993-94 school year, Clear Creek ISD began offering a Science Magnet Program housed at of one array over a porch patio and another on the top of the house, both in back facing South. Seabrook Intermediate School for students in grades six through eight. The Program provides a unique science curriculum including additional science electives and partnership opportunities for students enrolled in the Program. Owner’s Notes: We purchased this system recognizing the need for a sustainable energy economy and wanting to start implementing the solution. First, with energy efficiency improvements (new 15 SEER AC, added insulation, and CFL’s) we reduced our electric consumption by 25%. Now, the PV system provides 70% to 80% of the electricity we use SCOTT Residence during the fall, winter and spring, and 40% - 50% of the electricity we use running the air conditioner in the summer. 201 Hunters Ln., Friendswood, 77546 10am-2pm Green Building Extras: Electric vehicle, organic fruit and vegetable Renewable Energy System: 3.5 kW Solar PV Installer: Green Electric Texas garden, and an energy monitor. Date installed: March 2008 System cost: $24,000
Directions: From I-45 South (Gulf Freeway), take the Clear Lake City Blvd exit Description of installation: This home includes 20, 175 Watt and go East about 2 miles, turn Right on Whitlock Dr and take it until it ends. Suntech Panels, 4Kw Sunny Boy inverter. The 20 Suntech panels are Turn Right on Oak Chase Dr and go 1 block, turn Left on Chesnut Springs Ln. grouped in two strings, approximately 370 volts per string. They are in and go 1 block, turn left on Providence Pine Trail and go 1 block, turn Right conduit to the DC breaker attached to the inverter. The output of the on Thornwood Ln. House is 2nd on the right. (Tour map on center spread) inverter is in conduit to an AC disconnect and the output of the AC dis- connect is connected to a 20 amp double pole breaker in the main breaker box. The closed due to Hurricane Ike inverter and breaker box are located outside the house and you will be able to see schottel residence how this works on the tour. 4829 Hawthorne St., Seabrook 77586 Directions: From I-45 South (Gulf Frwy), take exit 25, NASA-1, FM-528 exit. Con- Renewable Energy System: Hot water System tinue on west FM 528, continue west E. Parkwood Ave. Turn left on S. Friendswood Installer: Harvest Solar, John Miggins, now with Standard Renewable Energy Drive. Turn right on Hunters Lane. Date installed: October 2007 System cost: $4,300 ($3,010 with tax credit) See the solar water heater panels from the street tilted up at an angle, KOHRS Residence the water tank system in the garage and the custom design required to 3933 Rau Dr., Dickenson, 77539 10am-2pm run pipes to the roof & back. Renewable Energy System: Solar Pool Heater Date Installed: Sept 2008 Description of installation: Installer: Alternative Power Solutions, LLC System Cost: $6,900.00 • Consists of a 50 gallon drain back system with full electric backup Approximate energy provided: 8.19 MWh Net GHG Reduction: 2.08T of CO2 • Auxiliary tank adds 6 additional gallons of capacity Approximate cost savings for 20 life (if offsetting gas heater) = $21,360 • Utilizes two Synergy Solar rooftop panels • Electric backup system can be configured to turn on and off based Description of installation: 600 Sf of Heliocol solar pool heating on a timer, turned on in a full backup configuration, or turned off collector panels installed on the West side of the house on the roof for in a full solar mode a 630 SF in-ground pool. There is 1 pool heating controller.
Owner’s Notes: The electric tank system we bought would cost Owner’s Notes: At the beginning of September Mr. and Mrs. Kohrs wanted to extend $410 per year on average to heat our water, according to the US the swim season of their pool before the fall weather set in. They like using the pool for Government Energy Guide sticker on the tank. It would therefore exercise and wanted to keep the temperature at 85 degrees. We installed their system take 7-9 years to pay off the difference on our solar hot water system, in a few weeks and now they can get much more enjoyment out of their warm pool. depending on how often we run the electric backup in the winter. Installer’s Notes: This installation extended the swim season to 10 months per year instead of the normal 5 months since they do not own a traditional gas heater. They will also be able to cool their pool down this summer Directions: From I-45 South, take Bay Area Blvd. east about 6 miles & cross over Red Bluff Blvd. Turn Right on Port by circulating the pools water through the collectors at night. Road (just past the railroad tracks), cross under Highway 146, staying on Port Road. Pass the new Bayport Shipping Terminal, and the road does a quick snake. Go straight at the stop sign crossing Todville Road and you will be on El Directions: Take Gulf Fwy/I-45 S toward Galveston, Take exit 19 toward FM 517/Dickinson, Turn right at 517/Farm Jardin. Turn left on Hawthorne (just past park on right) to Market Rd 517W, Continue Half a mile and turn left on Rau Dr. The House is on the right. CLOSED DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICT ploss residence solar bee SOLAR POWERED RESERVOIR CIRCULATORS 1701 20th Ave. N., Texas City, 77590 Alexander Deussen Park, 12303 Sonnier St., Houston, 77044 10am-2pm (boat tour each hour, on the hour) Renewable Energy System: Solar Pool Heater Renewable Energy System: 3 X 80-watt photovoltaic modules Installer: Alternative Power Solutions, LLC oriented in a triangular pattern plus on-board battery storage for day/night operation Date installed: March 2008 Installer: Pump Systems Incorporated, Solar Bee Division System cost: $5,000 Date installed: April 2006 Approximate energy provided: 8.19 MWh System cost: $22,000 per month total to rent Approximate cost savings for 20 life (if offsetting gas heater) = $21,360 Approx. energy provided: 16,089,795 watts per year X 20 units Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $6,435 per year • Cost Savings: (approx. cost at 20 cents/kWh) SOLAR POOL HEATER! Tour of exterior only Description of installation: 20 SolarBee solar powered reservoir circulators were installed in an array surrounding the Northeast Water Purification Plant influencing approximately3 00 surface acres of Lake Houston.
Description of installation: 300 Sf of Heliocol Owner’s Notes: We installed this system to improve and stabilize the quality of water entering the intake structure solar pool heating collector panels installed with of the Northeast Water Purification Plant to reduce treatment cost and difficulty.
racking system on Southwest side of garage roof Installer’s Notes: These solar powered circulators can be used in drinking water reservoirs, storage tanks, waste- for 462 SF in-ground pool. There is one pool heating water ponds, and anywhere where mixing of water is desirable to improve or maintain water quality. controller. Directions: From Houston, take I-10 E towards Beaumont. Exit #775A to 610 N. Exit #24A/McCarty Dr (US-90 E). Turn Right on N McCarty St. Veer right to US 90 - go 3.6 mi. Turn Left on CE King Pky. CE King will merge with N Lake Owner’s Notes: Mr. Ploss attended the Galveston Houston Pky - go 1.9 mi. Veer left on Duessen Pky W. Make a Sharp Right on Duessen Pky E. Turn Left on Deussen Dr. home show and talked to Jim McCleskey of Anthony & Sylvan Pool’s about heating his pool with solar energy to lengthen his swimming season. He had always For more information on this project, email Joey Eickhoff at [email protected] believed in the economic advantage of Solar, and was referred to APS by Mr. McCleskey. Jack gave APS a call, and the system was installed right away.
Installer’s Notes: This installation allowed the pool owners to extend their swim season to 10 months per year discovery at spring trails The discovery center – tour site instead of the normal 5 months since they do not own a traditional gas heater. They have also been able to cool their pool down this summer by circulating the pools water through the collectors at night. 2711 Riley Fuzzel Rd., Spring, 77386 10am-2pm Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 1 Kw for a typical home “What can be better than taking advantage of our beautiful Texas weather and Installer: En-Touch Energy enjoying your pool in any season, energy free? Solar pool heaters are one of the Approximate energy provided: 1,400 kWh per year most economical ways to use solar energy with one of the quickest return on your Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $280/yr investment. The rising cost of energy is not just for electricity. Natural gas prices have doubled in the last 12 months. Pool owners can attest to the energy suckers Project Description: Discovery at Spring Trails is Houston’s first solar powered hybrid community, a that their pools can be, but we all know how wonderful it is to be able to enjoy high quality development by Land Tejas Companies, the outdoors, and swim in the Texas sun. developer of Canyon Gate Communities. The 1200 acres Discovery at Spring Trails community will have approx. 3,000 Replacing or offsetting the energy consumption of your gas powered pool homes. A 1-kilowatt solar array (GE Brilliance Solar Electric Power System with 5-200 watt solar panel) will be included heating system with a solar heated one will pay for itself in just two to three as a standard feature on each new home built in Discovery at Spring Trails. The solar system is expected to provide up years and can triple the length of your swim season, enabling you to use your to 15-20% of the electricity use (typical home). Upgrades for a 2 or 3 kilowatt system will be available. Other features & pool from February to November. Solar pool heaters can also be used to cool your pool by running the system at benefit of Discovery at Spring Trails will include GE Energy Star Lighting, GE Energy Star Appliances, In-Home Energy and night during our hot summer months. Dive in, make a splash and soak up the sun while increasing the value of Water management, Fiber to the Home broadband, Curb-Side Recycling & Grey Water recycling for community irrigation. your pool investment, off-setting your energy costs and contributing towards a healthy environment.” Installation: Lot, home orientation and elevation dictates placement of the solar panel system, either standard roof-mounted or trellis mounted. The one-kilowatt system takes up approx. 100 sq. ft. The 5-200 watt panel system - Alternative Power Solutions, LLC produces D/C power and will be converted into A/C power at the inverter, placed within 10 feet of the main electrical meter and breaker panel per code. Once the power is converted into A/C it is immediately used by the home. Notable Information: Located in north Houston, near the Hardy Toll Road and Rayford Road, Discovery at Spring Trails is Directions: Take Gulf Fwy (I-45 S) toward Galveston. the country’s first master planned community to incorporate Exit 16 and merge onto Emmett F Lowry Expy/FM-1764 GE’s ecomagination Homebuilder Program across a diverse East toward Texas City. Continue for approx. 5.8 miles. group of builders. Homes in Discovery at Spring Trails are Turn left at 21st St N and go 0.7 miles. Turn right at priced from $170’s to the Mid 400’s. 19th Ave N and go 0.2 miles. Turn left at 19th St N go 348 ft. Turn right at 20th Ave N and go 0.1 miles. For more information, visit the community website: www.canyongate.com/discovery Gardner Residence solarcraft 31115 Hegar Rd., Hockley, 77447 10am-2pm 4007 C Greenbriar Dr., Stafford, 77477 10am-2pm renewable energy systems: 1 kw bergey xl-1 wind Solar systems on display!! turbine,1.5 kw solar pv array, solar water heater installer: john gardner Description of Site: Solarcraft manufactures high reliability date installed: december 2004 solar, wind and hybrid power systems for stand alone industrial approx. energy provided: 30% of total electrical load applications, primarily in the oil and gas industry. We use novel energy savings: 60% less electricity used as compared packaging techniques that are unique to Solarcraft, and we will to typical houses in the area due to energy efficient construction and renewable energy system. have standard production systems on display. We will also present 30% of the electricity consumption is generated by a Power Point presentation related to “Designing High Reliability the hybrid solar/wind system. Remote Power Systems”, which was presented at the ENTELEC 40% less gas consumed compared to the previous year Conference in Houston in April of this year. upon installation of the solar water heating system. Solar Systems are mounted Owner’s Notes: Having built industrial photovoltaic power systems for over 20 years, I’m always amused when on ground and easy to see! people exclaim that solar is the energy of the future. I’m glad no one told me that 20 years ago! - Kevin Conlin
OWNER’S NOTES: New leaf farm is an excellent example of energy efficient design About cost savings: Because of their remote locations, Solarcraft industrial systems have an immediate combined with a renewable energy system. This demonstrates real life examples of payback, as they are always less expensive than running line power. sustainable design and construction resulting in an affordable and comfortable country home. Directions: Take Beltway 8 to the SW Frwy. Exit Airport/Kirkwood, turn left at solar extras: Recreation of uriel’s machine, a prehistoric calendar machine; using Kirkwood, under freeway. Go through the the movement of the sun to track specific dates of the calendar like the equinoxes 1st light, turn left at the three way stop sign and solstices. A funky yard toy! (Greenbriar). Solarcraft is ¾ mile on right. Sign is difficult to see from this direction. Directions: Take loop 610 to US-290 west 31 miles to the Kickapoo exit. Directly across the street from Microwave Turn right on Kickapoo and drive 7-1/2 miles to Joseph road (T intersection). Networks. Come to back of building, front Turn left and drive 1 mile to the stop sign. Turn left on Hegar Rd. (gravel road). doors will probably be locked. We are the 5th driveway on the right side (just around the corner).
Q A Frequently Asked Questions bayou bend townhomes Description of installation: This building includes 5 each 25 watt solar attic vents, manufactured by Attic Breeze. All units are installed & the excess energy flows back to the electric grid system, which 8299 Kingsbrook Road, Houston 77024 Q: Is my roof suitable for solar energy? turns your electric meter backwards. At the end of the month, with universal mounting brackets as the 8299 building faces due west A: Probably so. 4 out of 5 of residential roofs qualify. you are billed only for net consumption. 10am-2pm and has large shade trees thus requiring remote solar panels. This also All we need is an un-shaded roof, facing generally southward, allows both units to be installed on the back side of the building. A 25 and you can get within 90% of the best possible results. We Q: What about hail? watt unit delivers 1550 CFM covering 2300 square feet of attic space. can even work with East and West facing roofs. A 400 kWh/ A: Panels are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions month system uses less than 300 square feet. including hail. Furthermore, due to the high rating of the panels Owner’s Notes: The option of solar versus electric attic fans was ex- your homeowners insurance will cover any unlikely hail damage. Q: Will there be a lot of maintenance? Is there a warranty? plored and found to be a short term ROI. Over the years the electric fans A: Solar collectors produce electricity with no moving parts, Q: Does a solar system work in cold weather? have had motor failure, which is caused by normal brush ware of your and thus require almost no maintenance. And solar panels A: Yes. Solar systems work in many weather conditions, and typical A/C motor. With a D/C style motor this problem has been elimi- come with a 25-year warranty and the inverter has a 10-year often work better in cold temperatures during winter months nated. By choosing solar fans we save on electricity while accomplishing warranty. because cold causes an increase of conductivity of metals. Renewable Energy System: Attic Breeze our goal to have a cooler attic space and being environmentally friendly. 25 watt Solar Ventilation Units By having a cooler attic space in reduces heat transfer from attic to living Q: Do solar panels work in cloudy weather and at night? Q: How long will it take to get the system up and running? Installer: Attic Breeze space, this allows your HVAC system to run less thus saving kilowatts. A: Solar systems integrate into the existing electrical system in A: Typically, it takes 1-2 months from the time you place your Date installed: September 2008
your home. If it’s sunny and you are generating more electricity order to the time the system is installed. The actual installation System cost: $ 3,675.00 than you are using your meter actually turns backwards. usually takes two to three days. Savings verses electric fans: Directions: From I-10 east, exit During nighttime or cloudy days your meter turns forward Operating cost savings at 11.4 cents/kWh: Chimney Rock and turn south. as you buy power from your utility, just like it does now. Q: What are the major components of a solar electric (PV) system? $118.26 per fan The first street is Kingsbrook, turn A: The two main parts are PV (Photovoltaic) Modules (convert 10 Year savings after investment payoff right and continue 1 block to circle Q: What is net metering? energy from the sun into DC electricity) and Inverters (converts $2,238.18 for 8299 Kingsbrook turnaround. Park: Kingsbrook Rd. A: Your electric meter spins forward when electricity is flowing DC electricity into household power). 10 year forecast on operating cost or Queen Annes Rd only. Please note from your electricity provider into your home. If more electric- Grid-tied systems also use a net meter provided by your electric savings on 17 bldgs. $ 49,052.00 ity is generated through a PV system than your home requires, company. Battery Back Up systems are also available. eastbound Chimney Rock is second exit from Loop 610. the wareloft Lakes of williams ranch 13904 Hiram Clarke Rd., Houston, 77045 10am-2pm MELROSE CUSTOM HOMES 5622 Capeview Cove, Richmond, 77469 10am-2pm Project Description: This contemporary work/living green home on a budget is laid back, wide open, and very adaptable. The home is in the qualifying process for Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, LEED-H Certification (Pilot). Green building features include passive survivability and 2 Kw for a typical home passive solar cooling design with lots of design-assisted natural ventilation, natural Installer: Standard Renewable Energy day lighting and clean/green finishes. There are no west windows and no attic. The Approximate energy provided: 2800 kWh per year roof is designed with enough area for future addition of solar PV panels. The house Approximate cost savings at .20 cents/kWh: $560/yr was designed for minimal site disruption with porous driveway and preservation of Cost Savings: (approx. cost at 20 cents/kWh) existing landscaping. Project Description: A (2kW) two-kilowatt solar array (GE Brilliance Solar Electric Power System with 10-200 watt solar panel) will be included as a standard feature on each new home built in Lakes of Williams Ranch. The solar Owner’s Notes: “Given that energy cost are only going to system is expected to provide up to 15-20% of the electricity use of a typical home. Upgrades for a three or four increase, we wanted something that was very energy efficient. kilowatt system will be available. Other features/benefits include advanced GE Energy Star Lighting, GE Energy Star We knew very little about green building before we started. Appliances, In-Home Energy and Water management, Fiber to the Home broadband and certified home envelope to The more we learned about it, the more it appealed to us.” reduce heating and cooling by 50% by Environments for Living. - Rick Wilson & Therese Coucher Installation: Lot, home orientation and elevation will dictate placement of the Architect: Environment Associates solar panel system, either standard roof-mounted or trellis mounted. The 2kW (two-kilowatt) system takes up approximately 200 sq. ft. The 10-200 watt panel Builder: Dovetail Builders, Inc. system produces D/C power and will be converted into A/C power at the inverter. The inverter is placed within 10 feet of the main electrical meter and breaker panel per code. Once the power is converted into A/C it is immediately used by Animal Farm 10am-2pm the home. www.lakesofwilliamsranch.com 16723 Sycamore, Cat Springs, Texas 78933 Directions: Just south of Sugar Land off the I-59. Take Williams Way exit left over Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric with thirty 150Watt and twelve 190Watt bridge. At the stop, turn left and proceed on frontage road approximately 1/2 mile. Solar Panels, a dual 3.6K Inverter and a 36KW battery bank. Installer: Owner TXU Energy & Cy-Fair isd Date installed: First Phase 1991, Expansion 2008 science resource center System cost: phase I $15,000, Expansion $35,000 11206 Telge Rd., Cypress, 77429 10am-2pm Approximate energy provided: 10 MWh/Year Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 1.05 kW Approximate savings at 20 cents/Kwh, $2,000/Yr Installer: Foundation for Environmental Education Description of installation: The solar array is mounted on a shed metal roof. Date installed: May 2008 The 30 150W panlels are managed by a MX80 controller, the 12 new 190W panels Approx. energy provided: 563 kwh since installation are managed by a MX60 controller. 2 Outback VFX3648 are configured as a split Approx. cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $112.60 since installation phase Mini Grid System, and feed of a 48V Battery bank consisting of 24 AGM View the solar panel at the Cy-Fair Science Resource Center. cells of 2V/1500A each. That gives 72 KW of backup power. The 2 120 VAC phases Description of installation: TXU Energy is committed to sustainable energy sources and education. Our invest- are connected to both residences, the well, pool, barn and a recently completed ment in National Energy Education Development’s (NEED) solar curriculum helps us achieve both objectives. The TXU guest cottage through AWG6 underground cabling. The last phase of the expansion will consist of a SMI 4000Watt Sunnyboy Inverter with about 2.4KW of PV panels. Energy Solar AcademySM enhances math, science, physics and agriculture education through hands-on experiments This inverter will feed the loads of the main house, and will than export any using the latest teaching tools available to the classroom. excess power to the dual VFX inverters who in turn will charge their battery bank. This allows real load sharing and In addition to our partnership with Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, TXU Energy is funding the NEED solar energy curricu- shedding between the different consumers of the system. The water well pump (1 KW, Grundfoss, 24 GPM) delivers lum for 39 other school districts, which will be designated as TXU Energy Solar Academy members, in the competitive about 9,000 gallons per day to the irrigation system of our organic vegetable operation, which is our main load. Texas Electric Market. Each school district in the TXU Energy Solar Academy receives a 1-kilowatt Web-enabled solar panel which provides energy to offset the school’s use and provides real-time data that is Internet accessible through Owner’s Notes: We installed this system because we believe in, practice and teach Sustainability. The fact that it www.txu.com/solaracademy. TXU Energy’s sponsorship will train approximately 1600 teachers and reach would have cost us in excess of $15,000 to connect to the grid, made the economic justification very easy. approximately 56,000 students.
Green Building Extras: This is a Permaculture center; a design for sustainable living. Together with Urban Owner’s Notes: The mission of the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Science Harvest and the Houston Permaculture Guild, we teach courses in designing for sustainability, Organic Farming, Resource Center is to support and enrich our science program so Renewable Energy and Sustainablle Building. (Urbanharvest.org) and Leisure Learning (LLU.com) that our graduates will achieve the goal of scientific literacy. Directions: Do NOT follow Mapquest or other on-line directions/some of the roads on their maps DO NOT EXIST. Go West on I-10, take exit 720/Sealy and go North on Hwy 36. After the RR crossing go NW on FM1094 to New Ulm. Directions: From Houston, take US-290 West to the Telge Road Shortly after you cross FM949, take a right on Hall Road. After a few hundred yards on Hall Road, take a right on exit; take a right on Telge Road to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Science Sycamore Road. After about 4 miles, Sycamore Rd will dead end at our farm. Tel 979 992-3038 / 713 240-8665 Cell Resource center at 11206 Telge Road. 10 11 gardner Residence 2008 Houston solar tour
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SOLAR BEE TXU ENERGY & CY-FAIR ISD
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BURGHLI HOMES animal farm SCHOELLKOPF RESIDENCE BAYOU BEND DISCOVERY GREEN
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SHARP-DURWIN scott Residence PLOSS RESIDENCE KOHRS RESIDENCE 12 13 Tyler Residence burghli homes 807 Olney Oak Dr., Houston, 77079 10am-2pm green built solar powered home 4309 Elysian, Houston, 77009 noon-4pm Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 1.5 kW Installer: Harvest Solar, John Miggins Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 2.72KW grid tied is now with Standard Renewable Installer: Standard Renewable Energy Date installed: 2006 Date installed: August 2008 Approximate energy provided: 1000 kwh/year System cost: $27,200 Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/Kwh: $200/yr and shaded patio Approximate energy provided: 4,500 kw /year Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $900 Description of installation: 12 Kyocera 125 watt Description of installation: 16 solar panels (170 watt) are mounted on aluminum racks over composition panels cleverly installed on a backyard trellis. Combiner shingles, and wired to combiner fuse box on roof, run to d/c disconnect on exterior wall, to inverter, to watt meter, box is on the south side of the trellis to gather the solar panel wiring into the final path to the meter and breaker box. to junction box where load capacitor is utilized to reduce electricity consumption for motor start-up load, then run to main load panel which is tied to Centerpoint’s Dual Register Meter attached to the GRID. Owners Notes: Retrofitting for energy efficiency and minimal fossil-fuel consumption has been a staged approach. Since we bought the home in 2004, we have purchased wind-only electricity through a managed plan. In 2005, we Owner’s Notes: As a builder of affordable homes, we see the need for affordable, sustainable homes. Building started to trade some of the established landscaping for more wildlife-friendly plants, and started composting. In homes in the most energy efficient way possible reduces the size of the VP Solar System needed to operate the home, 2006 we installed energy efficient windows, replaced and upgraded the VH AC system, tinted skylights and installed and makes it affordable. A great impact on the environment could be made this way, because for every custom home the solar system. In 2007, we installed what the manufacturer told us is the first Enviroshake roof in Houston (www. built with this type of equipment, we could build 200 affordable homes. We broaden the scale for the environment enviroshake.com), three tubular skylights and two solar attic fans. Enviroshake is a composite roofing product which while helping the people who need help the most saving some money. This project is the prototype for many more replicates the look of cedar shake, is made of predominantly reclaimed materials and comes with a 50-yr warranty. Affordable Solar Powered Homes to come. We will start 40 more before the end of 2008. Burghli Homes has made a Roof Time Contractors did the installation. commitment to protecting the environment, improving quality of life, and promoting sustainability. In order to fulfill this commitment, we have adopted a set of standards Directions: Exit I-10 at Dairy Ashford, go south that allows us to present “green” building without to Kimberly (on right just before Stratford HS). forcing excessive costs into the price of our homes. Turn right on Kimberly (just past Jack-in-the-box). Off of Kimberly, make the first right onto Olney, Directions: From Highway 59, Exit at Collingsworth, second house on left. turn right on Collingsworth Turn right on Elysian. From I45 - Heading south, exit 49A - toward Quitman, turn left on Quitman, turn left on Elysian. schoellkopf residence 6535 Kury Ln., Houston, 77008 noon-4pm
Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 3.84 kW sharp-DURWIN Residence 4613 Pin Oak, Bellaire, 77401 noon-4pm Installer: Standard Renewable Energy Date installed: Fall 2007 Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 3.72 kW Approximate energy provided: 4,635kWh/year Installer: Harvest Solar, John Miggins now with Standard Renewable Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/Kwh: $927/yr Date installed: January 2008 Approximate energy provided: 4677 kWh/year Tour of exterior only Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $935/yr
Description of installation: A very clean set up of Exterior Tour Only 3 strings of 8 BP160 watt panels (24 total) installed on the Southern direction of the roof with Unirac mounting racks. Description of installation: The entire roof is covered with solar panels A Sunny Boy SB3800 inverter was placed by the garage to convert the 3.84 kW system’s DC current to AC power. and solar thermal collectors as well. We installed 60 Uni Solar 62 w panels on a composition shingle roof with rail mounting in conjunction with a Sunny Boy Installer’s Notes: At 3.84 kW this is a fairly standard residential system. 3800 Inverter located at the rear of garage. This residence also has a Solar hot It’s important to pair energy saving strategies with a solar system to gain the water system interfaced with the existing hot water heater using 2 AET collector best long term financial savings. panels in a drain back configuration located beside the solar panels.
Owner’s Notes: This is Albert’s 2nd appearance in the solar tour. Albert’s Owners Notes: Mr. Sharp is an engineer and wanted to make a bold statement motivation to buy solar was mostly to go green and saving on his electricity about going green while saving money on his bills and helping the environment. bills was an added bonus. Installer’s Notes: This was a solar electricity install in addition to solar thermal.
Directions: Off Ella Blvd. between TC Jester and 11th St. From the Galleria Directions: From the Galleria area, take 610 south and exit Fournace/Bissonnet. take 610 Loop North to TC Jester exit, turn right to Ella. Continue on Ella to U-turn on to the feeder. From the feeder, turn right on to Oakdale Dr. Kury Lane. Turn right on to N Avenue B. Turn right on to Pin Oak Lane. 14 15 Virginia Point 3319 Virginia St., Houston, 77098 noon-4pm The Houston Advanced Research Center HARC is a fosters the implementation of policies and tech- 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in The nologies based on rigorous principles of social Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 23.8 kW Installer: Standard Renewable Energy Woodlands, Texas dedicated to improving human science, natural science, and engineering. HARC’s Date installed: September 2008 and ecosystem well-being through the application research themes support sustainability solutions Approximate energy provided: 28,253 kWh/yr of sustainability science and principles of sustainable in ecosystems, water, air & climate, clean energy, Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $5,650/yr development. HARC’s mission is to move knowledge the built environment, and environmental health. to action to improve human well-being and the HARC’s primary geographical focus encompasses Designed to become one of Houston’s first true Zero-Energy homes, this is an example of how environment. the greater Houston area and the Texas Gulf Coast. solar energy can gain energy independence.
In a non-partisan and collaborative manner, HARC http://www.harc.edu/ Description of installation: A total of 140 is a conduit from basic research to action that solar panels at 170 watts each are attached to anodized aluminum C-channels, which are bolted to a galvanized steel truss system eliminating any roof penetrations and reducing heat load by shading the roof. The inverters and battery bank are housed in a ventilated mechanical room.
MIRABEAU CONDO OFFICE Owner’s Notes: The Hedges installed this system to be a visible entity in the city and the state to encourage 2410 Waugh Drive, Houston, 77006 noon-4pm responsible building, to impact local and state building codes and to affect legislative change that would promote and provide incentive for the broader application of green construction practices. Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 1.75 kW Installer: Standard Renewable Energy Green Building Extras: As a LEED project, this home has Date installed: July 2008 many green features, please visit the house to find out more. System cost: $17,643 excluding electrical tie-in and rack system. Approximate energy provided: 2,200 kWh per year Architect: Joe & Gail Adams, Adams Architects Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $440 Builder: Chris Fry, Dovetail Builders, Inc.
Directions: From 59, exit Kirby and proceed north. Turn Description of installation: Ten 175 watt left onto Richmond, turn right onto Lake Street. Turn left BP panels are mounted to a unique steel onto Colquitt St. The house is on the corner of Virginia and racking system on this reclaimed shipping container building, which serves as a sales office. The rack system allows Colquitt. Please park with consideration to the neighbor- for up to 20 additional panels. In the event of bad weather the panels can be folded face down on to the roof. hood’s residents. The inverter and grid tie is located on the side of the container and can be easily viewed by prospective condo buyers and renewable energy enthusiasts.
Owner’s Notes: Harvest Moon Development, as the developers of this condo project, felt Solar is the right thing About LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design to do, and it’s the right time to do it. The panels provide 50-100% of the power consumed by the sales office. They also act as a billboard for the project, pairing the iconic value of the PV panels with the iconic presence of LEED is a national green building system that has been developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It’s the two shipping containers. They hope that this project helps people understand the potential and importance of a process of designing, building and evaluating a building to ensure that high standards of sustainable design are PV systems. Key team players for this project include ttweak - the marketing and communications firm that coordi- met. LEED homes encompass the ideas of careful site treatment, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air nated the look and feel of the project - and Mission Construction who is the general contractor for the forthcoming quality and sustainable materials and resources. Homes built according to the LEED program are third party condo project. The completed condo project will have 100 solar panels on its verified and given a Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum rating based on the number of LEED points that the project roof and will generate about 22,000 kWh per year! has received.
For more information: Metalab, Joe Meppelink and Andrew Vrana, This home is extremely unique, as it is on track for a Platinum rating. The extensive use of Solar Panels 713.426.3640, www.metalabstudio.com/blog on this home, paired with other state of the art systems, such as a geothermal air conditioning system tTweak, Randy Twaddle and Dave Thompson, 713.942.0722, www.ttweak.com makes this high rating possible. Energy Efficiency is a critical part of a successful LEED home. Harvest Moon Development, Joey Romano, 713.829.3156, www.mirabeaub.com Buildings in the US account for 70% of electrical consumption, and it’s easy to imagine the cumulative effect of homes becoming more energy efficient – or continuing to require more and Directions: This site is in the Montrose area, between Montrose and more power for newer large homes. Dunlavy, north of Westhiemer. From 59 heading towards downtown from the Galleria area, take the Spur 527 N exit. Turn left onto Elgin Street. Turn Please consider the power your own home consumes, and all the decisions that can effect the energy consumption. left onto Westheimer, and then right on to Waugh Drive. The project is at the For more information about LEED and the USGBC please visit www.usgbc.org For more information about local corner of Waugh & Hyde. LEED efforts and residential projects visit www.usgbchouston.org 16 17 bmw MIDTOWN DEALERSHIP What’s a Kilowatt? 2101 San Jacinto., Houston, 77002 noon-4pm Renewable Energy System: A 30.75 kilowatt Photovoltaic Simply defined, energy is the capacity to do work. at which electricity is used or produced, and not the Solar Electric System installed on the roof of the Power is the rate at which work is done, in other total amount of energy used over a given period of dealership’s new state-of-the-art showroom words, it is energy per unit of time. The watt (W), time, generally a month for our electric bills. So, to Installer: Standard Renewable Energy named after the Scottish engineer James Watt, is measure electric usage over a period of time for a Date installed: July 2008 our most fundamental unit of power; it is how we device, home, or city, we need to multiply power by Approximate energy provided: 36,926 kilowatts per hour of power annually, approximately 18 percent of the measure the rate at which energy is produced or time. For example, a 75 watt light bulb that is left on dealership’s current electrical consumption consumed. Thus, we measure the electric power for 20 hours will consume 1,500 Wh (75 x 20) worth Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/kWh: $7,385 annually output of an electric generating system in watts. of electricity, or 1.5 kWh of electric energy. If electric- Description of installation: 150 BP panels of 200 watts each That generating system may range in size from a ity sells for 15¢/kWh, the cost of keeping that 75 W are flush-mounted on a slanted, southern facing metal seam roof small solar photovoltaic system to a large nuclear, light bulb on for 20 hours is 22.5¢ (1.5 kWh X 15¢/ hydroelectric, or coal-fired utility plant. One kW kWh). According to the United States Department of Owner’s Notes: The first of its kind for the Houston auto dealership industry, the system will enable Advantage (kilowatt) is equal to 1,000 watts, while 1 MW Energy, the average American household uses about BMW Midtown to reduce its carbon footprint and demonstrates the dealership’s commitment to finding greener (megawatt) is equal to 1,000,000 watts. Whereas a 900 kWh worth of electricity a month, with Texas methods of providing services to its customers. nicely sized solar system on top of one’s roof may households averaging about 1,100 kWh per month. produce 3 or 4 kW worth of electric power, a large In Houston, an optimally installed 4 kW solar array Green Building Extras: This installation is part of Group 1 Auto- coal-fired power plant may generate 1,000 MW will generate roughly 430 kWh worth of electricity motive’s corporate social responsibility initiative, which identifies and (1 gigawatt) worth of electricity. per month, enough to power twenty-five 75 W light implements new ways to lessen the company’s environmental impact bulbs for about 230 hours a piece. by creating energy efficient and sustainable dealerships. Houston-based Of course, when we receive our electric bill every Group 1 Automotive, a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, owns Advantage month, we notice that our power usage is expressed Mustapha Beydoun, PhD BMW Midtown as well as Advantage BMW of Clear Lake. in kWh (kilowatt hours), and not simply kW. The Research Scientist reason for this is that watts express the instant rate Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) Directions: From 59, take the Spur 527, and then the ramp towards Louisiana Street. Turn right on Elgin Street. Turn left on San Jacinto.
City of houston code enforcement building 3300 Main St., Houston, 77002 noon-4pm West University
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM: SOLAR ELECTRIC, 6.6 KW Solar Hot Water Heating 6114 Community Dr., Houston 77005 noon-4pm INSTALLER: STANDARD RENEWABLE ENERGY DATE INSTALLED: MAY 2008 Renewable Energy System: APPROXIMATE ENERGY PROVIDED: 10,000 KWH/YR Solar Hot Water Heater APPROXIMATE COST SAVINGS AT 20 CENTS/KWH: $2,000/YR Installer: Dixie Solar, Johnny Lee Tour will include inverters located on the roof. Date installed: September 2008 DESCRIPTION OF INSTALLATION: This system has 40 panels mounted on the south side of the building at the main System cost: $4,000 Approximate energy provided: entrance for builders, contractors, owners coming into the code enforcement building. The panels are installed at 23,000 Btu/day or 6.74 kwh/day Description of installation: an optimum angle to get the best sun. They are 165 watt rated BP solar panels that have a lifespan of about 25 Approximate cost savings: $442/year years and can be relocated if necessary. Electricity output from the panels is monitored through the inverter box Hot water should be “FREE” in and can be seen by all Houstonians on the internet at www.Greenhoustontx.Gov//codebuildingsolar.html Texas. This new residential house equipped with the newest solar thermal technology, evacuated tube solar collector to heat the domestic water. It’s the first evacuated tube solar water heater installed in Houston area. OWNER’S NOTES: Houston was selected this past March as a DOE Solar America City to develop a plan for accelerating This solar water heater was selected as Top Ten Green Building products of 2007 by the Sustainable Energy Industry the deployment of solar power across the region. BP Solar, a key partner in the Houston Solar Initiative, has committed Association, and was awarded the Best Green Design 2008 by Popular to donating $200,000 worth of solar panels to this effort. BP solar donated the 40 panels that were installed on the Mechanics. Solar water heater can offset the equivalent of 40-100% of code building as part of the DOE Solar America City initiative. carbon dioxide emissions of a modern car, the most mature and cost A similar 6.6 Kw system also with panels donated by BP Solar effective way to use solar. was installed on the rooftop of City Hall Annex in may 2008. Directions: From south 59 towards downtown Houston, take Newcastle Stay tuned to our upcoming green building resource center at the Dr/Weslayan Rd. exit, turn right on Weslayan St., about 0.5 mi turn right code enforcement building. With the visible solar panels and the on Bissonnet St., about 0.4 mi turn left on Community Dr. about 0.12 mi new green building resource center, homeowners, developers on your right hand side is the house. and contractors will be able to see and learn the latest in green From south 610 towards The Galleria, take Bellaire Blvd/Bissonnet St. exit, building technologies and solutions here in Houston, Texas. turn right on Bissonnet St., about 0.88 mi turn right on Community Dr. 18 19 discovery green downtown houston SUN SPONSORS 1500 McKinney, 77010 4pm - 6pm
Renewable Energy System: Solar Electric, 49.92 kW system with 256 BP 195 W panels Installer: Standard Renewable Energy Date installed: February ‘08 Approximate energy provided: 71,686 kWh/year Approximate cost savings at 20 cents/Kwh: $14,337.20 SOLAR SOCIAL EVENT See back page of tour guide! Energy plans that make sense for you…
Description of installation: This is one of the largest systems in the Houston area. 256 BP 195 w panels are and the environment. mounted on roofs of the two park buildings. A single 50kW Sat Con inverter converts AC electricity to DC electricity Reliant Energy offers you one of the few plans in the market for the facilities use. Feedback is an important part of a solar system. A 40” Samsung flat screen display of the Fat that is 100% wind. Not only is that good for your household, Spaniel Energy monitoring system gives live updates of climate conditions, electricity production, and Carbon off Sets. it’s great for the environment as well. Electricity generated from wind produces no air pollution or carbon emissions. About Discovery Green: Visit the park’s green lawns, one-acre lake, children’s playground, interactive fountain, So when choosing the plan that best suits your needs and cooling mist tree, performance stage with lawn seating, small and large dog runs, beautiful art works, dining at lifestyle, consider a product that supports renewable energy The Grove – a signature restaurant from the Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group – fast fun food available water- development in Texas. It’s good for everyone. side at The Lake House, sunset cocktails in The Treehouse, majestic oak trees, exquisite gardens and more!
Operated through a unique partnership between the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy and the City of Hous- 1-866-RELIANT reliant.com ton, this beautiful urban park is conveniently located across from the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Reliant Energy Residential Services PUCT Certificate #10007. Hilton Americas Hotel. For other plans and services available, contact Reliant Energy at 1-866-RELIANT
Discovery Green is committed to sustainable design and operation, starting with a complete remediation of the brownfield that was the park’s site at the beginning. Located in the middle of a dense urban center with access to public transportation, Discovery Green also provides storage facilities for cyclists and is served by REV Houston, the free electric taxi for downtown and midtown.
The park’s efficient irrigation system, recycling of groundwater for use in Kinder Lake, and high tech, highly-efficient restroom fixtures are important green features as well. The Conservancy retained Page-SoutherlandPage to manage the LEED certification process for Discovery Green. LEED credits are earned based on site sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources used in construction, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process.
Solar panels and other efficient technologies are being used to heat water and to generate electricity on-site. Discovery Green obtains 100% of its power from renewable sources. BP made a monetary donation to assist in funding this project. Thank you BP - for supporting this beautiful park!
Visit www.discoverygreen.com for more information.
Directions: Take US-59 Northbound, exit Downtown Destinations- Polk, go left on Polk. Take a right on Avenida de las Americas, then left on Lamar. Several parking options, including metered, garage and surface lots, are available for park visitors.
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N A T U R E ’ S F R E E E N E R G Y
TERRAWATT SPONSORS We provide turnkey engineering, installation, supply, inspection and maintenance services for: • Solar Electric Power • Solar Attic Fans • Solar Pool Heating • Energy Audits • Solar Water Heating
Call Us Now. Let’s discuss how you can take advantage of nature’s free energy! PHONE: 713.981.3875 / FAX: 713.981.3876 WWW.APOWERSOLUTIONS.COM AD 9-5 9/5/08 11:13 AM Page 1
! of urban 12GREEN MEGAWATT SPONSORS acresSPACE If you knew there was a better way Lake! Visit the park for diverse seasonal programming. to live in your home
L EV SER Playground! IA E T IE C N R S and E T A P S Water Features! S work in your office
TAINM why would you settle R E E Amphitheater! T N T N E for anything else? Dog Runs!
HY LI S S ILIE T V E R I E AM S L IN A F G Public Art! E H LEED Great Food! The standard for I N & K N T R C E high-performance buildings H E P A H I L D R For more Learn how buildings that are certified through the information on U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design process change the Discovery Green See. Touch. Hear. Taste. Explore. or for program expectations people have of their living environments. Support a better way. Visit www.usgbchouston.org information and The U.S. Green Building Council-Greater Houston Area Chaper is a dedicated 501 (c)-3 organization updates, visit 1500 McKinney across from the George R. Brown Convention Center discoverygreen.com. 713-400-7336 Thank you to our Kilowatt SPonsor www.DIXIesolar .com All of the seasonal programming events are FREE and open to the public.
MEDIA SPONSORS: KPRC Channel 2 • Houston Chronicle • Comcast • Univision 45
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Grace Event Lawn, 4:00pm -6:00pm 1500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77010
See exhibits and tables provided by some of our sponsors. Ramona Bang Elementary - Jeanetta Mieth Live performance of “The Power of the Storm” Non-profit groups will be present to talk about their Enjoy an original musical, written and performed by community work. students, which explores solar energy. Meet members of the Houston Renewable Energy St. Mark’s Episcopal School & Spring Woods Middle Group (HREG), the US Green Building Council (USGBC), School unfortunately could not participate due to G.R.E.EN, and more. Hurricane Ike. Grant winning schools of BP’s A+ for Energy Program Whole Foods Market will be providing cake and giving will have projects on display. out free “Better Bags.” The Guthrie Center - Patty Nilsson/Michael RadlerView LIVE Music performed by the Collector’s Item Band. Documentaries about renewable energy and artistic pho- tography of our planet. With special guest speaker Mayor Bill White. Daniel Ortiz Middle School - Cara Buis 4:00 LIVE Music begins Demonstration of solar powered devices. See solar celled radios and other devices built 4:15 The Power of the Storm by students and powered by the sun. 5:00 Mayor Bill White to speak Betsy Ross Elementary School - Bethel Nwachukwu Demonstration of wind turbine, display of solar panel and Paid parking options include covered parking at inverter. Learn how wind and sun can create energy to Avenida de las Americas ($10). power our homes and communities.
Looking forward to see you there!
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