twenty-first century farmstead is energy-independent

Comfortable living in a challenging climate with no energy bills

Location: New Hampshire USA Client: Private residential Use: Private residence.

Background:
A private client wanted a traditional New England farmstead as their primary residence and asked that it be powered completely by renewable energy.

The client selected a site with spectacular mountain views in northern New England in a climate with ~8,750 degree-days and modest solar resources. SDA responded by designing a south-facing integrated electric roof of high-efficiency silicon solar cells for the traditional out barn.

Special Features:

• The roof of the main barn / garage hosts a generous solar thermal array that produces space heating and domestic hot water for the residence.
• Radiant heat is employed throughout ­ including the insulated garage area that¹s also a workshop for the owner's collection of classic motorcycles.
• The upper level is a studio space. The house plan and details are authentic to early New England and the owners pay no energy bills.

Outcome:

Plug into solar power! SDA President Steven Strong with a plug-in hybrid. SDA is now offering plug-in conversions for the Toyota Prius and other hybrid vehicles. Their solar electric system provides 100% of the home's electricity with sufficient surplus to power the owners' local transportation with plug-in hybrid/electric vehicles.

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