Powered by the Sun

Providing conservation of energy and
consistent comfort through the moderation
of indoor temperature.

This is our latest sustainable home in Cannington, Ontario
Infinite styles and floor plans available.

100% Electric Energy (No Fossil Fuels)

Space Heating:

Back up heat is provided by a small energy efficient electric furnace which comes on between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. during off peak hours when electricity is approximately half price. The heat is retained in the same large thermal mass that is used for solar heat storage.

Hot Water:

Solar provides approximately 50% of the hot water, when the sun does not shine an electric back up tank is heated during off peak hours.

Usage

Chart from Hydro One shows 68% of
electricity is used off peak

Fresh Air:

The HRV (Heat recovery ventilator) brings in fresh air and exhausts stale air while recovering heat.

Zero Energy Costs

The 5 kw. Photovoltaic Solar Panels provide revenue of approximately $4,500 per year. From November 5th 2010 to March 7th 2011 with a consistent indoor temperature of 20 Deg C. (+ or – 2 Deg C.) the cost of electricity was $745.79. ($186.00 per month includes delivery taxes etc.) The heating portion is estimated to be $350.00 per year. The summer months will be far less, air cooling is rarely required as the thermal mass and high insulation will moderate temperatures over several days.

Super Insulated

R 52 Walls Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation available as blanket-like batts is the industry standard. It's actually glass, spun into long fibers, then woven and coated with a binding agent. Now available with 30 percent or more post-consumer recycled glass. Fiberglass is resistant to both fire and mold and small amounts of moisture have little effect on its R-value.

R 74 Attic Blown in Cellulose

Cellulose thermal insulation is made from finely shredded newsprint that is chemically treated to resist fire, corrosion, vermin and fungal growth. It contains at least 70 percent post-consumer paper waste. Only available in loose-fill form, it is either poured in place or installed with a blower. Because of the small size of the particles, cellulose can 'flow' around obstructions such as nails, electrical wires, trusses and braces to fill cavities uniformly.

R 40 Surrounding Storage Rigid foam insulation /
R 20 Under home and extending 4' beyond (wing insulation) Rigid foam insulation

"Expanded" types of rigid foam insulation are CFC-free; they are now manufactured with a non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas. "Extruded" types, which offer higher performance, originally were made with CFCs before manufacturers switched to using hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), substances with far less potential to deplete the Earth's fragile ozone layer.

Windows – Double pane (triple pane reduces solar gain)

Solar Gain 179 Farley state of the art windows are designed for optimal solar heat gain and energy efficiency and are ideal for climates with a longer heating season.

Good insulation performance
Maximum solar gain
Highest energy star ER rating
Blocks 76% of the damaging UV rays
Lowest total energy cost
Window warranty lifetime, glass, hardware and seal failure no questions asked
Warranty fully transferable

Energy efficient, insulated, child safe blinds on windows

Energy Star fibreglass exterior doors

Dent and rust resistant
High insulation value
Does not conduct temperature like steel doors
Easy to maintain, paint and stainable
Rot and moisture free

Standoff Wall System

The standoff wall system used in this home was developed in Canada and is featured in the Canadian Home Builders Association builder's manual. The main advantage of this system is the high level of insulation achieved with standard fibreglass insulation R52 (16") and a continuous vapour barrier not requiring perforations for electric and other utilities.

Detailed Standoff Wall System Pictures

Solar Heat and Hot Water

Using the black metal roof of the house as the active collector and 78% of the windows on the south for passive collection hot air is moved to storage in the 1,920 cubic feet (75,600 BTU per Deg. F) of concrete and gravel thermal storage under the house. Air from the collector is also used to heat the homes water.

Sensor Data

Sensor Data shows a constant inside temperature with fluctuating outdoor winter temperatures and collector readings exceeding 50 Deg.C. Click image to see detailed data:

Solar Control

Click on the image below to see a detailed readings using our Solar Control Application to monitor house temperatures.

Shade

Roof overhangs block out the high summer sun and allow the winter sun to penetrate well into the home heating the thermal mass from the top.

Sustainable Building Materials

Flooring:

Main floor natural stone on concrete
Upper floor bamboo flooring 5/8" certified by E.C.O. Inst.

Paints:

Earth friendly no V.O.C.'S

Exterior Siding and Trim:

1" thick locally cut and milled pine and hemlock (Lasts 100 years on barns)

Interior Trim:

Pine (not fibreboard)

20 Acre Country Setting

One hour north east of Toronto
5 minutes from the top of Hwy. 404 extension (under construction)
Private beach on river
Half forested and half open fields
Small neighbourhood of country homes
Zoning will permit barn, horses
5 minutes to town (Cannington) Schools, Shops, Restaurants, Library, Health Centre