Innovation in Action: Three Solar Systems, One Sustainable Vision

Solar Power Maxiimized

John Rountree, Owner and Chief Architect of Rountree Architects, doesn't just design solar homes—he lives them. His Westport, Connecticut residence serves as a living laboratory for sustainable design, showcasing how thoughtful architecture transformed a 1910 farmhouse into a cutting-edge solar energy home.

From Farmhouse to Future

The 2006 renovation created a showcase for green materials, energy-efficient construction, and innovative solar technologies. Today, three distinct solar systems work together to offset approximately 80% of the home's annual energy consumption.

The Synergy Roof: Where Innovation Meets Integration

The centerpiece is the revolutionary "Synergy Roof"—one of the first residential Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in the United States to combine three functions:

A 5.4 kW photovoltaic array with 17 modules generates clean electricity year-round, while three flat plate collectors provide solar hot water. The PV modules and water heating panels share identical frames, flashing together into a continuous, weather-tight surface that serves as the roof itself.

Rountree's proprietary heat recovery system uses ducts, dampers, and fans to maximize efficiency. Winter air circulates beneath the panels to capture heat before returning indoors. In summer, outside air cools the panels before exhausting outdoors, boosting PV production by 10%. The recessed panels sit flush with the roof, proving solar technology can enhance architectural design.

The Garage: Smart Storage and Electric Transportation

The 2013 garage addition features a 2 kW roof-integrated system with semi-transparent modules. This BIPV installation connects to a hybrid inverter with battery backup, providing emergency power during outages and daily charging for a Chevy Bolt EV—roughly 30 miles of emission-free driving per day.

The Porch: Real-Time Performance Monitoring

The newest addition, installed in 2024, is a 3.9 kW system with nine Sunpower 440-watt panels and factory-integrated micro-inverters that enable real-time monitoring of each module's performance.

Design Philosophy in Practice

The Rountree home demonstrates that sustainable architecture should be beautiful, functional, and smart. Whether you're planning a new build or renovation, Rountree Architects brings decades of solar expertise and architectural vision to create homes where cutting-edge technology and timeless design work together.

Contact Rountree Architects to discuss your sustainable design project.