The photovoltaic array that provides electricity for Whispering Fields
Environmental and energy saving considerations were part of the original design of the house. Cedar was chosen due its having the highest insulating qualities of any wood selected for log homes. The National Bureau of Standards also has reported that log homes, in general, are up to 30% more energy efficient than framed houses due to the high thermal mass of wood.
Electricity is generated by six high-power photovoltaic panels and stored in a large specialized battery bank. The decision to use solar energy was reached after a review of the costs and environmental impact associated with tying into the local electrical grid, located about 1/2 mile away.
Electricity is generated by six high-power photovoltaic panels and stored in a large specialized battery bank. The decision to use solar energy was reached after a review of the costs and environmental impact associated with tying into the local electrical grid, located about 1/2 mile away.
The compact Takagi tankless water heater
For hot water we installed a tankless, instant-on water heater. Though it uses propane, a non-renewable resource, this unit has unparalleled efficiency due to computerized controls, compact design, and the simple fact that it provides hot water only when needed. As you can see, the unit is compact and takes up little space compared to a storage-tank based unit. Tankless water heaters have been in use in Europe and Asia for over 20 years. They are just starting to gain wider acceptance and use in the United States and Canada.
Master Plumber Allan Nisbet installing the Grundfos well pump.
The use of solar energy necessitated the application of specialized equipment, and the well pump was no exception. Typically, well pumps consume quite a bit of electricity and challenge many an off-grid power system designer. The depth of our well, over 300 feet, compounded the problem. The solution was found in a unique line of well pumps made by Grundfos, a Danish manufacturer. These pumps are intended for systems like ours, for which there are some power limitations. Suffice to say this pump has performed flawlessly, in fact beyond all expectations! Thanks, Grundfos!!
