In January of 2007, John Rountree along with wife Cheryl, completed a major renovation to their home in Westport. In planning and design for more than 3 years, the house incorporates many green and sustainable products and is designed to showcase a state-of-the-art combined solar PV and thermal system.
Some of the features of the house are:
- Bamboo flooring throughout
- Energy Star rated
- Energy Star appliances
- 19 SEER Carrier “Hybrid Heat” heating and cooling system
- Heat Recovery Ventilation
- High performance foam insulation
- Recycled cotton insulation
- Compact fluorescent lighting throughout
The roof is designed and prepared to receive the Schuco “Synergy Roof” system. The Synergy Roof is a fully roof integrated solar solution which combines PV, solar water heating and solar thermal recovery in one system.
The system will consist of (17) 320 watt Schuco Premium PV modules (5.4 kW STC-DC) and (3) Schuco flat plate solar thermal collection panels of the same size ( approx. 4’-1” x 7’-1”). They are linked together monolithically with a metal flashing system which creates a watertight roofing system as well.
As an add-on to the Synergy Roof, Rountree designed a third system, which will control the thermal radiant energy generated below the panels: Air movement below the panels will be controlled by a series of ducts, dampers and fans. In the summer, fresh air will be circulated under the panels and exhausted at the gable ends. This will serve to cool them, maximizing their efficiency. In the winter the air heated under the panels will be brought into the house to offset the heating loads.
The combined solar systems with combined efficiencies are expected to supply between 80% and 90% of the houses needs.
The system will be installed in Spring of 2008. Below are shots of the work in progress.
