Here are some questions we are commonly asked about solar construction, some questions we think worthy of consideration along with some questions people should probably be asking:
Why Should I Choose a Green Built Home?
Simply put, green built is better for the environment. It utilizes more locally produced materials and a green home is more cost efficient to operate – immediately and over the lifetime of the structure. Significantly improved comfort is another big bonus – one that almost has to be experienced to understand.
How Does Solar Really Work?
Passive solar works by taking maximum advantage of the angle of the sun during the various seasons of the year. Sunlight is maximized in winter and reduced to almost zero in summer. The placement and structural shading of windows, doors and awnings creates the perfect balance you’ll enjoy year round. Our climate is ideally suited to passive solar building. To better understand visualize this concept, see diagram below:
Passive Solar Building
What Does Robson Custom Homes Provide?
Our primary focus is energy efficiency using passive solar techniques. Depending on the project and client goals we offer the following features:
- Structural Panel Wall Systems
- Insulated Foundations
- Insulated Slabs
- Heat Recovery Ventilators for fresh air and high efficiency energy recovery from exhausted stale air.
- Mini Split Systems
- Geothermal or Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Hydronic Systems for both Radiant Heating and Radiant Cooling
- Heat Pump How water
- Whole house Dehumidification
- Off Grid or Net Zero homes
- Energy reduction of 50% to 80%, or more compared to conventional construction.
Why is Solar a Good Choice in the Kansas City Region?
Solar is a good choice in any region! However, solar works particularly well in the Kansas City area because we have a wide temperature variation and a lot of sunshine.
What Expenses are Associated with Running a Solar Home? Is anything about a Solar Home More Expensive?
Typically, any ‘extra’ expense is in the construction. Solar homes can cost a little more to build, but every aspect of operation (with some rare exception) costs less to run than standard construction. We use higher quality elements – windows and doors for example – so they’re more robust. Heating and cooling systems run smoother and more efficiently.
A Robson Custom Home might cost a little more because of the quality of materials we prefer to use. However, we can construct a home that costs the same as a conventional home and still functions more efficiently.
What Size Home do I Need to Take Advantage of Solar Efficiency?
Any size home can take advantage of passive solar or active solar technologies. Homes in the United States have increased in size in recent years. Our philosophy is to create a smaller footprint home where practical, using the highest quality materials and construction techniques. The result is an energy efficient home that is a delight to live in. One benefit of designing a custom home is that it meets your needs precisely.
What does Solar Actually Heat? My Entire House? What about Water?
Solar energy can provide heating, cooling and power. The science of building passive solar utilizes natural shade, south facing glass, shading and other techniques, very high amounts of insulation, thermal massand, natural daylighting to achieve a highly efficient structure that needs significantly less power than a conventional home.
Active solar includes pumped water systems and electricity generating panels. And, your home can combine active and passive solar. Passive solar homes are extremely comfortable in terms of temperature control, but don’t generate electricity.
We believe that any solar building approach should include passive techniques first as they are the most cost effective. Active elements can then be added. Fewer panels will be needed since the house is already energy efficient, demanding less.
How is Energy Transferred from Panels to my House? Is it Noisy?
Solar energy is transferred silently through wires. Solar hot water systems often use low power pumps that you won’t hear unless you’re right next to them and they are usually housed in a mechanical room or basement.
Will I have Solar Panels all Over My Property?
Solar panels are used in ‘active solar building’ or a ‘photovoltaic system’. If you choose to incorporate active solar into your home design, the number of panels is determined by the amount of energy you want to generate. Robson homes are well engineered and highly efficient, reducing the number of panels needed as well as the cost. Rest assured, you will not have panels everywhere.
Are there Any Disadvantages to a Solar Home?
Not from our point of view! Our homes use less energy, are significantly more comfortable, have improved indoor air quality, are brighter, and did we say more comfortable? The comfort of a passive solar energy efficient home is amazing. The home is very air tight, eliminating drafts and cold spots. Sound travels through the cracks, too, so the noise level is greatly reduced. You can watch the weather raging outside your windows, while inside you can hear a pin drop.
Low emissivity glass reduces heat loss so areas around a window don’t feel cool, which is something you really grow to appreciate. It’s one of those things you aren’t aware of until you experience the pleasure of the difference. There are so many advantages and overall, it’s a comfortable, cozy, efficient way to live. We continuously hear from people how pleased they are and how they’re experiencing a home they really love and couldn’t have imagined the difference until they lived in it.
Is a Passive Solar Home Hot in the Summer?
No. Quite the opposite. Passive solar homes employ shading techniques that help reduce heat gain through windows and doors. The extra insulation that keeps you warm in winter helps maintain cooler indoor temperatures in the summer. Practical, smart and comfortable (there’s that word again)…
Does Solar Limit My Design Options?
Absolutely not. A passive solar home can be designed to look just like a conventional home. Or, it can be designed to look unique and different. That’s completely up to you. There are some subtle differences we employ to work with seasonal sun angles and while this is critical to the optimal functioning of your home, it doesn’t have to be at all obvious.
Are there any Certifications Available for Solar Homes?
Yes, there are several certifications available. Most certifications come at an extra cost because of the reviews, inspections, and additional paperwork required and some are more extensive than others. If certification will make you more confident in your home’s performance, then ask for a review of the various certifications available (see links below for certification details). Also, ask why they might be important – or not. It’s a personal choice, so make sure you understand what’s involved.
- More information on the major home certification programs:
http://itac.utah.edu/itac/Benchmarks.html - A very general overview of certifications:
http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab089827.pdf
A Note About Passive Solar if We May….
Passive solar is just not ‘sexy’ like roof panels or wind turbines which are taking up a lot of media (and visual) attention. The tremendous advantages of great passive design are often not seen – which we perceive as a big plus – as they are integrated into the hidden elements and techniques of the building envelope.
Although not seen, they are viscerally felt and experienced every day. Some of the day-to-day comforts and enjoyment of your passive solar home have to be experienced and felt to really understand the subtle luxury of your solid, well-built, incredibly efficient house. Talk to us about visiting a home where you can experience the wonder (dare we say magic?) of a passive solar home.
What Sustainable Building Materials do You Use?
We use new forms of insulation that provide higher R-values* resulting in greater energy savings. We also use natural materials that are renewable as well as reclaimed (recovered or recycled) materials. We always choose materials that are durable and have a long life.
*R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
How Might Climate Change Impact any Decision I Make Now to Build with Solar?
Climate scientists predict higher temperatures and more extreme weather conditions. A sound resilient structure is a great first step to be prepared for the changes ahead. Whether or not climate change is/becomes reality, a more efficient home is more comfortable and less expensive to operate than a conventional home. Your energy efficient home will not only hold value but may well appreciate in value as demand rises.
What Should I Look for When I Choose a Builder?
Green building and particularly passive solar building are very technical and require significant education, understanding, and preferably a science background to accomplish correctly. When choosing a builder, particularly a green builder, you want to make sure they are thoroughly educated about green building techniques and materials and they are committed to staying current.
Green building is a relatively new and constantly changing field and it’s important that your builder stays up-to-date. It helps if they’re passionate about the research and study – that will really serve you in the end. Look for proven examples of their work, talk to past clients, and ask the tough questions.
How do I Know My Home is Functioning (or will function) as Promised? Are there Tests or Measurements of Energy Efficiency?
There are a number of tests to determine efficiency. The simplest test is to follow the energy consumption over time, but there are more immediate things that can be measured.
One common test is the infiltration rate, often called a ‘blower door’ test. A sealed system is put in place of an exterior door. That unit has a powerful fan and several pressure measuring devices. The test measures the relative tightness of the home. An extremely tight home is more efficient than a leaky home, but you might wonder about indoor air quality in such a tight house. Good thought.
We manage the air quality with an air-to-air heat exchanger. In the Kansas City region we use a heat recovery ventilator or an energy recovery ventilator. Both exchange the heat or cool from exhausted stale air with the incoming fresh air without mixing the two. These units operate at greater than 90% efficiency and take the place of conventional bathroom exhaust fans. They are placed in the attic or mechanical room and are very quiet and result in great air quality in your tightly sealed home.
Can Robson Build a Net Zero Home for Me?
Absolutely. Building a Net Zero home begins by building a highly energy efficient structure. Lower energy demand translates into less money spent on power generating systems.
When thinking Net Zero, the first (and fastest) consideration is better windows, more insulation and making the structure air tight. That puts you ahead of the money curve by reducing energy demand.
Your next Net Zero consideration is solar panels or another power system. We have several partners who provide solar panels designed for generating electricity and hot water.
Another Net Zero alternative is using grid tied systems and sizing equipment to meet your needs. We can also incorporate energy storage systems if your aim is to be completely off-grid.
We have the expertise to help you sort through the options and choose the ones that best meets your needs – creating the lowest demand for energy resulting in huge savings.
How does Radiant Heat fit into the Equation?
Radiant heat is an extremely efficient and comfortable heating solution. Water circulates through tubing in the floor eliminating the need for blowers; making it a very client solution as well. We find the experience of radiant heat is very much in tune with our natural biological systems.
What about the Outdoor Environment?
We work with some great folks that can help establish landscaping that includes native plants, composting, rain gardens, vegetable gardens, permaculture and other smart solutions. This can be a way to bring your daily life in harmony with nature and enhance your vision for living sustainably.
Where Can I Go for More Information?
There are many great resources online about Passive Solar Design. Here are just a few:
Have more questions? We have answers. Click here to contact us.
