The energy-efficient adult community of Bartlett Hollow, located in Middletown, CT, is a haven for solar installations paired with geothermal heating. Sunlight Solar Energy has done several installations in Bartlett Hollow, and the customers have continued to be satisfied with their decision.
David Goldner, a Bartlett Hollow resident, had a solar photovoltaic system installed in 2014. Goldner’s system is comprised of 21 Sunpower 335-watt modules. The high-efficiency panels allow Goldner to cover his electric bill without taking up excess roof space, as shown in the picture below.
Goldner has now been enjoying solar production for nearly two years. For the month of March, 2016, Goldner was not only able to to pay the $19.25 monthly basic service charge from Eversource, but also had a credit of $53.52, as the utility companies pay out credits at the end of the fiscal year.
Goldner created more electricity than was used- the definition of a net zero home.
While additional credit is paid out at a wholesale rate and doesn’t add up to much, Goldner was able to use his credit to pay the basic service charge for the next several months. According to the government’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “Generally speaking, a zero energy building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, thereby reducing the use of non-renewable energy in the building sector.”
The electricity generated by the solar panels covered all of the home’s electricity needs, including geothermal heat and hot water. The only other fuel bill Goldner had for the past year was about $125 for propane for a gas fireplace.
Payback time is quick at sites that are great for solar, and many of the homes at Bartlett Hollow are. At Goldner’s property, the roof faces due south, with very little shading. This gives the windows a high heat gain, and keeps the house warm on cold but sunny days. Goldner also invested in cellular shades, which keep the heat in at night during the winter, and to keep the house cool during the summer.
Goldner also tries to use more solar energy, rather than taking power from the grid, and runs his large appliances during the middle of a sunny day whenever possible.
Interested in learning more about the Bartlett Hollow community? You can look inside their model home, which we installed solar on as well, or contact Summit Residential here.