Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design works! That's why the ancient Romans, Greeks and the Anasazi, among others, used it in town and building layouts. Only in the last 50 years have we forgotten, or chosen to ignore, the basics of the natural world - the movement of sun and wind. Little or no extra building cost is involved. The key elements are a suitable site, southern building orientation, proper roof overhang size for summer shading, sufficient windows on the south side, perhaps some extra mass for storing solar heat (although standard sheetrock walls have enough mass to do the job.). The end result is an open, well-lit, comfy house that heats itself for free on sunny winter days but stays cool in the summer without air conditioning. Perfect!

Passive solar homes are also naturally daylighted, saving electricity as well as enjoying free heating. Even cloudy days produce plenty of light and even solar heating. Having lived in passive solar homes since 1984, I know with confidence that they work very well in Teton Valley.

Active Solar Design

Photovoltaic for generating electricity

Active solar systems for generating electricity also work well here. The upfront capital investment can free you completely from dependence on fossil fuels or at least significantly reduce your carbon footprint along with your utility bills. The technology is well-proven, sophisticated and user-friendly.

I have lived with a 1.3 kilowatt PV system since 2005 that mostly meets our household needs (our well is deep and needs 220 volt power while my PV system is 110 volt). Other locals have had independent power systems based on solar PV for decades. Costs appear to be coming down, and Idaho and federal income tax deduction incentives make solar PV systems more affordable.

Investment in solar technology companies is rapidly increasing, with a lot of fine engineers working hard to improve performance and reduce costs for solar electric systems. Solar panels are available integrated into roofing materials, even windows!

This is the future, for sure, and it can be your present as well! As my son says, it's pretty cool to watch our solar system "wake up" in the morning and turn towards the rising sun, as my pole-mounted tracking array of solar panels optimizes its orientation to the sun.

Hot water systems

Solar systems can also economically heat your domestic hot water, at least part of the year - in spring, summer and fall. Limited winter sun and cold temperatures make it difficult but not impossible for solar systems to heat enough water for typical winter needs.

Other renewable energy technologies such as wind, small scale hydropower or geothermal may be suitable in your location. Nordic Builders teams up with local renewable energy experts to achieve your goals for sustainability, low impact and performance.