Do national standards contain a consistent bias in favor hot-weather architecture? Specifically, do they favor passive cooling technology over passive heating technology?

Two experts have recently drawn attention to idiosyncracies in heating/cooling rules. First, architect Paul Hutton here in Colorado points out that LEED points are awarded for white or reflective roofs, even in snow country where a dark roof may provide solar gain and reduce load on the heating system. Moreover, a hig [...]

A recent article in the Phoenix Business Journal got under my skin. The article was simply a report on facts, but I found the facts to be pretty appalling. The article initially began on a positive note. Approximately $1.5 million in federal stimulus money was awarded to Arizona projects. The projects range from a large order of chicken eggs, to park improvements projects, to a major solar panel installation at a military base. Five companies, spanning the state, were awarded contracts, totaling approximately $1.2 million of this money. It is fantastic that Arizona-based companies won these bids, because now the state will benefit in many ways from the revenue stream.

The disheartening news is that three out-of-state companies were awarded the remainder of the $1.5 million, including a New York-based construction company enlisted for a solar panel installation project in Yuma. I’m not sure who is in charge of determining which companies will ultimately do the work, but wouldn’t it have been a bigger boon for our state if all of the contracts were given to local companies? I’m sure there are many competent companies throughout the United States that can do the same job. However, if that chunk of federal stimulus money is to fully benefit Arizona, I feel Arizona companies should have been chosen over comparable companies elsewhere. Obviously the topic of solar installations is closer to my realm of knowledge than construction dumpers, but I’m sure there are local companies that could have handled the solar panel installation job. It would be nasty of me not to congratulate the company that won the bid, since every state can use the help right now. But, my loyalty to my own backyard and the hard working people in it, keeps me from being very happy about the choice.

Holly
Public Relations

I found a new government Home Energy Saver website that will allow you to calculate the potential for energy savings for your house. The site provides local information so that it is more accurate. It allows you to enter all sorts of information about your house, from the number of windows, and on what side of the house, to insulation amount in the ceiling, number of appliances, and the fuel they use.

This is a great start to seeing the money and energy that you can save by “going green“.

Jason
Estimator

It has been a busy week in the solar arena. Solar energy buy backs, area schools hoping to cash in on federal stimulus money, and the news of the passing of SB 1043. A big step in providing a much needed boost to our economy, this new law gives a variety of incentives to solar companies locating their headquarters or factories in our sunny state. On the radar, but always missing the boat, Arizona now has a competitive advantage in attracting large solar companies. The bill gives solar companies a credit on their capital investment and a significant discount on their property taxes. In hopes of creating better employment opportunities, these companies must meet minimum salary and health insurance requirements.

Now, the next step is getting these solar companies to commit so we can benefit from this new law. Fortunately, this week, a group from the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is at the Intersolar North America conference meeting with a slew of executives from solar companies. It’s too soon to tell what these meetings will hold, but reports are that 15 companies are planning new facilities. Cross your fingers that GPEC and city officials are presenting a convincing case. If so, this newly passed law will give Arizona a larger claim on the solar market.

Holly
Harmon Solar Public Relations

This dynamic industry has just added another incentive for homeowners to “Go Green!” Now customers will benefit monetarily with a “Buy-Back” from their utility company.

One of the biggest advantages of a solar-powered home has been “net metering.” Under this program, the homeowner sells a portion of the electricity they produce to the electric company, either APS or SRP. The meter actually runs backward indicating their solar panels are producing more power than the home requires. This excess electricity flows back to the utility company’s grid and creates a credit on the homeowner’s utility bill.

In the past, at the end of the year the utility company would zero out all credits and start fresh as of January 1st. The Arizona Corporation Commission has just approved APS to actually pay solar customers for any credit they have as of December 31 each year! For some customers this can be a significant check to look forward to each year.

The program, EPR 6, allows customers to install a PV solar system that would produce up to 125% of their current demand. APS will buy-back any remaining credits at the end of the year at the following rates:

• Standard Plan – 6.187 cents/kWh
• Time of Use Plan –
  • On-peak 6.59 cents/kWh
  • Off-peak 5.963 cents/kWh

This truly is an incredible time for customers to “Go Green!” It all adds up: The sizable rebates from APS and SRP, a 30% Federal tax credit that can be taken in its entirety the following year with a carry- forward of five years on any unused portion, the $1000 State tax credit and now the ability to receive a check from the utility company all combine to make this one of the best investments a person can make.

Contact Harmon Solar to find out more about saving money on your electric bill.

Lisa
Solar Energy Consultant

So, the price of electricity got you down? In these times, many of us are reticent on breaking open our piggy banks. There are options for the brave; options that may seem steep at first but will decrease your dependence on outside energy sources to nothing. Move to the forest and live with nature. In the Arizona heat, that does sound like just the ticket. This drastic approach may appeal to some people. I know the notion of being self-sufficient would appeal to all who own their own home or want to. You also don’t need to move to the sticks to do this.

What do you need to consider in going completely green? Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when supplying your own energy needs. Solar Panels. Yes, Harmon Solar can do a fine job of installing any panels you want. To be self-sufficient, we can design a system that keeps all the energy you produce in your home. You can run your cabin in the pines including lights, computers, televisions, and a host of other items by utilizing more solar panels to capture the bright Arizona sun.

Collecting and storing energy can also be achieved with a private windmill. There are many small and considerable quiet models available. Even with sporadic winds, you can charge your batteries by harnessing every available source.

Another thing to consider in Arizona is water. Your home or cabin will also need a method to capture the scant rain and condensation to be found. A collection and storage method is a must. The sun can also be utilized to heat the water for your use. With temperatures in the shade reaching the triple digits, harnessing that power for your use is a very reasonable idea.

Yes, all these systems will require an investment in thought, time and money. You will reap the benefit of absolutely no electricity or water bills ever again. In good times and bad, that will always be something you can rely on, just like Harmon Electric and Harmon Solar.

Joe
Vice President of Construction

So, I was doing some research online to find out the status of the solar energy bill, SB 1043. During my research I was sidetracked by a random solar energy item, solar ovens. What in the world is a solar oven? Well, the name is fairly self explanatory and takes living energy efficiently to a whole new level. For under $150, you use a small, 10 pound contraption to capture the sun’s rays and cook your food, much like a slow cooker. My initial reaction was that it seemed like a bit of a nuisance, but after further pondering, for Arizonans in particular it actually makes sense. Use the sun to cook your food. Seems like a no brainer since most of us ban our ovens during the scorching summer months. This inexpensive device would allow you to enjoy homemade cookies, pizza, and even baked chicken, without heating up the house and without using a single watt of electricity. Pretty amazing! Who knows, it’s even interesting enough that you may get your kids involved in cooking dinner! The solar oven is also promoted as a necessary addition to your survival kit. Maybe that’s a topic for another day, since I don’t have anything in my home resembling a survival kit. If you’re curious about solar ovens, do a quick internet search. You’ll find a ton of recipes and there’s even a solar oven society, so converts can band together and cook to their hearts content. Oh…and in case you were wondering, the solar energy bill was passed by lawmakers but hasn’t been signed by the governor.

Holly
Public Relations