Green List

We've been asked many times about what we did that's "Green" with the house build....we usually just ramble off some things about the insulation and solar and stuff.....I decided to try and come up with a list of "Green" things, what we consider to be "Green" goes beyond that of just saving energy or money, we also think of things  that are healthy for us, so here's my list in no particular order.  Maybe I can reference it next time someone asks so that I don't just ramble about random "green" things.

• Low E Argon Gas filled Energy Efficient Windows
• Caulk and Foam Seal all studs and joists
• R19 Natural Fiber wall insulation
• R38 Attic Insulation
• 2x6 outer walls
• Bora-Care Green Termite treatment
• Zip System wall boards & sealing system
• Radiant Barrier under Roof
• Insulated Garage Walls and Doors
• Low and No VOC paints, stains, caulks, etc.
• 15 Seer Energy Efficient Heat Pump/AC units
• Fresh Air Exchange System
• Humidity Controlling programmable Thermostats
• Energy Star Refrigerator, Freezer, Dishwasher
• Induction Cook-top (90% efficient verses 65% for regular electric range)
• Velux Thermal Solar Water Heating System
• 6.2 kW 24 panel LG Photovoltaic Solar System
• Carpet, I can't remember what was "green" about it
• Radon release system from basement
• Carbon dioxide detectors
• Low Flow Shower and Faucet Heads
• Dual Flush Toilets
• 96% non-incandescent lights, mostly CFLs, some LED lights placed in strategic locations, maybe I should change out those 5 incandescent lights in the attic space to make it 100%
• Energy Star Ceiling Fans
• Drought Tolerant Warm Season Grass (no irrigation)
• Timers on all Bathroom exhaust fans
• Sealed and Conditioned Basement (eventually to be finished)
• Whole House Water Filtration System (no salt or chemicals)
• Smart Electric Power Strips for TV Systems
• Engineered Deck Boards

I'll update this post periodically as I'm sure I missed something or got something wrong.  If you notice anything I missed feel free to e-mail me.

Making some Power!

We are making power!  Progress Energy installed the net meter this past week and Southern Energy did the final check and turned on the breakers Friday afternoon.
Today (Saturday) I checked around noon and we were making 4.45 kW with a total of 12.5 kWh produced so far today!  So excited!  All 24 panels are showing online.

If the car wasn't charging right now I'd go take a picture of the meter feeding power to the grid...but right now the car charging is sucking up all our power generated, which that's ok because that's kind of like making your own gas for a combustion engine car  ;-)

Updated Time Lapse

I updated the "time lapse" slide show.  I think it's neat seeing it all come together in just a little more than 1 minute!

Southern Energy

Southern Energy used our great photo op the other day on their website.
They also performed our energy audit and said its a 13 on the HERS scale!
I wasn't 100% sure what that meant, but here's the scale from Wikipedia with our 13 on it, apparently that's really really good!