FAQ About Solar Homes, Designs, Building Materials, Costs

FAQ Regarding Solar Energy

Q Does it cost more to build with green products and materials?

A. There are many green products and materials that cost the same or even less than conventional ones. The Green Building Resource Guide includes a unique feature that compares the cost of green products to conventional products that they are most likely to replace. It is significant to note that many of the products listed in the Guide are the same cost or less than conventional products.

Q What is the first step to take towards building a green residence?

A. Green building is "state of the art" construction, and I would recommend first hiring an architect familiar with green building practices, details, and builders, if you really want to get it right. If you insist on proceeding on your own, begin with fundamental decisions, such as, what structural system to use in the foundation and framing.

Q Where can I purchase green building materials and products?

A. Many of the major suppliers have some green building materials, however, many of the materials and products must be purchased either directly from the manufacturer or special ordered. The Green Building Resource Guide has "800" numbers and order fax numbers for green building material and product manufacturers organized by Product Index, Manufacturer Index, and Construction Specification Institute Format for quick and easy reference.

Q We hear a lot in the news about steel construction in residences. Is a steel framed house considered green?

Yes, very much so. The Green Building Resource Guide gives steel framing its highest 5 icon rating. Steel in construction has about a 70% recycled content. Its resource efficient because there is very little waste, and it won't rot or be consumed by termites. Steel studs are also available with thermal breaks that allow less heat loss than wood. Also, steel is nontoxic because it will not off-gas and contaminate indoor air quality. Since steel screws together, steel members can be unscrewed and reused when a structure is demolished providing a structure for another residence. Steel structures have many environmental benefits and are considered very green.

Plan and Finance

Q. Are light bills high or low in a solar house?

A: Consumer energy bills have been increasing on average 6.5% per year for the last thirty years in the United States. Given the dramatic rise in the cost of producing energy using traditional non-renewable resources, this rate is bound to be overtaken by unheard of price increases in the very near future. Solar electric systems make economic sense because they use free fuel from the sun and require little upkeep because they have no moving parts. Every bit of electricity produced is used in the home or sold back to the electric utility for use by other customers. Conventional vs Solar

Q. How Do I Start Planning A Solar House?

Start with this website. Study all the ideas which it presents. Decide which ones you like. Watch the architectural and

home planning magazines and books on contemporary architecture for further ideas. Then retain an architect in whom you have confidence, tell him everything you can about the kind of house you want, let him know exactly what you are seeking, so that he can adapt your ideas and desires when he drafts the working plans from which your house will be built.

http://www.energyefficientsolutions.com/

Plan and Finance

Q. Is Diversity In Style Possible In A Solar House?

A: It certainly is. Just review the house designs published on this website. A solar house is not a “modernistic” house. It is a modern house, taking advantage of modern materials and building methods and the benefits they afford. Its exterior appearance may be only little different from more traditional houses, or it may assume a newer architectural form.

Q: Can any builder erect a solar house?

A: Any competent builder can erect a solar house. He does not have to plan it. He simply has to follow your architect’s blueprints.

Q: What type of lot must be used for a solar house?

A: With today’s technology, the lot size and location do not matter. However, if you don’t want to go 100% solar, but instead, just take full advantage of just the sun and perhaps exterior solar lighting, many types of lots may be used for solar houses. This website lists houses planned for corner lots, for inside lots, for flat or hilly terrain, for city, suburb, or country. The number of rooms which may be exposed to the sun varies, of course, in relation to the available footage facing south. For example, a lot extending 100 feet from east to west permits a southern exposure, on each floor, of more than a lot half that wide would allow. A two-story house on a narrow lot naturally permits orientation of more space to the south.

Q: What materials must I use for my solar house?

A: Your choice is governed only by what you want and can afford, in keeping with the style of house which you select. Give careful consideration to your architect’s opinion. The photos in the "solar design page of this website" represent only a small sample of the beautiful, functional, and energy efficient buildings being designed with solar electric components.

Q We would like to consider using salvaged building materials for our project as a cost savings measure as well as environmental considerations. Is this a practical consideration?

A. Yes, if you take responsibility for locating salvaged materials and delivering them to your site, you will reduce the cost of construction. Care should be taken to select materials and products that are useable without too much time consuming preparation, such as the removal of hardware and fasteners, such as nails in wood which can destroy saw blades. You will discover that salvaged wood is typically of a higher quality than comparable wood available today.

Q Are there any building code restrictions on the use of salvaged materials in a residential project?

A. Yes, all wood intended for structural use must be inspected and grade stamped prior to use, or it will not comply with the building code. Ask the supplier for grade stamps, some provide this service in house for a reasonable fee.

Choose building Components

Q. Can I Get A Bank Loan On A Solar House?

A: As collateral for a loan, a solar house is generally regarded in the same category as any other type of home, and receives from banks the same consideration as a more conventional style of house in equal location and of equal quality. A number of banking publications have featured articles about the solar house, and a great many banks and loan associations have actually displayed scale-model solar houses in their lobbies.

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