Forrest Lowe’s combination domestic hot water and pool heating system uses 6 flat plate collectors to deliver ample heat to his pool in the summertime (Photo courtesy Forrest Lowe)

When Forrest Lowe and his wife were seeking their perfect retirement home, they knew they wanted a quiet spot by the water. Longtime Brunswick residents, they fell in love with a house on Coffin Ice Pond, which years ago supplied ice for the town. What Forrest didn’t expect, however, was to also fall in love with the pool that came with the house.

“At first I was lukewarm about the pool,” Forrest says, “But ultimately it grew on me, though we knew we had to find another way to heat it because the propane heater that came with it was smelly, and extremely expensive to operate.”

A Better Way to Heat a Pool

While most pools are heated by propane, a small but growing cadre of pool owners are harvesting Maine’s abundant solar energy to open their pools earlier and keep them open longer into fall. The same solar thermal technology that heats domestic hot water can help heat a pool, as Forrest learned from his friend Rick Williams, who recently had ReVision Energy install a solar hot water system on his home in Yarmouth.

“Rick introduced me to [ReVision Principal and Engineer] Fortunat, who was great through the whole process. He helped me come up with a 5 flat plate solar hot water collector system, which I ended up expanding to 6. I wanted an overkill system because I wanted our pool to heat up quickly and stay hot longer.”

Hot Water, By Design

Part of the challenge of keeping Forrest’s pool warm is that he is reluctant to use a pool cover, which he finds cumbersome for one person to deploy. As such, the pool loses heat overnight, a reality that’s compensated by the outstanding performance of his solar water heating system. Whenever the sun is shining, Forrest’s flat plate collectors heat up his home’s 105 gallon solar storage tank before dumping excess heat into his pool.

“I am amazed at how effective this system is at heating the pool,” he says. “It only takes a little while to get the domestic hot water up to temperature and then starts dumping into the pool. On a nice sunny day you can feel the warm water pouring out the jets!”

A Great Solar Season

Forrest is thrilled at how the solar hot water combo system allows him to extend the season of his pool as well as enjoy it more during the season (there have been a number of days when the pool approached 90 degrees… balmy!). On a good sunny day he’ll see more than a 4 degree rise in the pool – no small feat considering the pool’s 25,000 gallon capacity. He loves the free fuel from the sun and the satisfaction that comes from clean solar energy. On the domestic hot water side, he notes that his boiler rarely fires in the summer, and estimates saving at least one oil delivery per season.

“To me this is not just about saving money,” Forrest says, “It’s about avoiding pollution and getting independent of fossil fuels.”

And, of course, enjoying his pool. Enjoy the sun, Forrest!

The combined solar hot water and solar electric systems at Meredeth Winter’s home will offset more than 14,000 lbs of C02 emissions each year.

We recently had the delight of installation a combination solar hot water and solar electric system for Meredeth Winter in South Freeport.

Meredeth’s 4.8kw grid tied photovoltaic array will generate over 6,602 kWh annually, enough to offset 8,583 lbs of C02 emissions.

Meanwhile, her Chromagen flat plate solar hot water collectors will produce more than 19,000,000 BTUs of clean, renewable heat energy annually, offsetting an additional 6,000 lbs of emissions!

Below is an account, in her own words, of the experience deciding to go solar with ReVision Energy:

It would be hard to speak too highly of the wonderful job ReVision Energy did in designing and installing the solar system for our home. From the first walk-around the property, through the proposal, the logistical arrangements, the paperwork for rebates, the installation and the follow-up afterwards, every step was handled not just professionally, but quickly and warmly. You get the sense that every person on staff is happy and skilled in their job and approaches each day knowing that they are doing their part to make the world a better place.

Once we determined what we wanted to include in our system (both hot water and PV panels) and committed to the project, we got a clear sense of what the process looked like and when installation would occur. I received thoughtful advice (that included crawling around in odd nooks and crannies of the house) on installation options to minimize the visual impact inside the house.

Meanwhile, on the roof, it must have been a large solar-powered jigsaw puzzle experience fitting all the panels just so. Actual installation began right on schedule and went more quickly than I could have dreamed. Everyone seemed to know their part in the process and went quietly and efficiently to their work, taking time to answer questions from my young children and to pet the extra large and inquisitive dog along the way. I work from home and was on hand to answer questions, but these were kept to a minimum. Each time I emerged from a phone meeting or concentrated session at my computer, it was hard to believe the amount of progress made.

As a side note, there was one incident that really highlighted the dedication to the planet shared by ReVision’s employees. The gentleman who was working with the boiler and hot water heater pulled me aside to tell me of a discovery he had made during the day. We have hot water pipes that run under our front brick patio for snow melt. I’m ashamed to say that I had noticed over time that the bricks seemed to be warm all the time, not just when I turned on the timer switch. From time to time I thought that I ought to do something about it, but it had never quite risen to the top of the to-do list. At any rate, during his time in our furnace room, this gentleman had noticed the furnace working when it shouldn’t have been and began to trace pipes and wires.

Upon tracing the furnace use to the pipes under the patio, he investigated further. It turns out that in addition to the timer switch that I knew of, there was an exterior unit buried behind the bushes at the side of the house, designed to automatically turn on the bricks when snow piled up on it. This unit was corroded beyond use and so constantly sent signals to the heating pipes to be running hot. Once disabled – voila – the pipes now work as designed: when turned on manually they melt the snow; when not needed they rest and don’t burn energy. When I expressed my gratitude for going above and beyond the call, the simple answer was that it didn’t do much good to look for ways to reduce reliance on oil in one way when another part of our energy profile was busy burning unneeded energy day-in and day-out. If your job is to make the world a better place, you don’t ignore things just because they’re not detailed in the contract. What a wonderful lesson to take away!

A mere couple of days later, there I was, a proud energy producing station. I found myself glued to the monitor that shows me just how much power the sun has, even on short, wintry Maine days. I have to say that I look forward to receiving the electric bill in a way that I never would have imagined before. Many thanks to everyone at ReVision who got me to that moment.

Thank you to Meredeth, again, for your very kind words and for making a difference by going solar!

The solar hot water system on University of New England’s Campus Center will save roughly 3,960 therms of natural gas annually, a savings of roughly $5,500

The University of New England is the latest college campus to show leadership in sustainability with the installation of 21 flat plate solar hot water collectors on their Campus Center.

Made possible by a $50,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grant, the system will heat water to between 80-140 degrees before it is fed into an existing gas boiler.

The total annual energy output of the system is estimated at 237,615,000 BTUs per year, which at a typical boiler efficiency of 60% will save roughly 3,960 therms of natural gas annually.

Below is a schematic of the system, consisting of the panels and multiple pre-heated solar storage tanks:

The Portland Press Herald reported this on the project:

The project, administered by Efficiency Maine, is expected to provide up to 50 percent of the Campus Center’s hot water energy supply. The real-time digital monitor also being installed will enable the university to determine cost and energy savings.

“Everyone is excited about it, ” said Alethea Cariddi, the university’s sustainability coordinator, adding that the project is part of a “multi-pronged strategy the university is taking to achieve our climate neutral goal.”

Full article: http://www.pressherald.com/news/maine-UNE-biddeford-Solar-university-campus.html

UNE’s Sustainability Coordinator, Alethea Cariddi, leads the university’s efforts to pursue climate neutrality through behavioral change and energy efficiencies. She says, “The solar hot water project on our Biddeford Campus Center is UNE’s first experience with renewable energy sources … Reducing our energy demand, increasing our efficiency of energy use and utilizing renewable energy sources is the multi-pronged strategy the university will be taking to achieve our climate neutral goal.”

In November 2008, UNE President Danielle Ripich signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, pledging along with other higher education leaders across America to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus and raise awareness of the issue of climate change.

From our Schools and Nonprofits Solar Photo Gallery:

See more installations in our Solar Projects Map

With the price of solar electric panels hitting record lows, we’re hearing from many existing customers who are eager to expand their photovoltaic systems to further cut their carbon emissions and electric bills. Below is such a system at the Vassalboro home of Michael Pomerleau, who recently doubled his system size, from 2.76kw to 5.5kw:

Before:

After!

Michael is a huge solar energy enthusiast and accompanied the solar electric expansion with the addition of a passive solar sun porch which helps with home space heating (the home is already heated with a wood boiler). Completing the suite of active solar systems is a solar hot water system which provides up to 80% of his annual domestic hot water use.

The expanded solar electric system should produce 7.4 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year, an estimate Michael is able to verify using Enphase web-based data monitoring. Michael reports generating over 3 megawatt hours last year, and expects a bit more than double that this year. In a single sunny day he generated over 37kWh!

Below is a real-time monitoring of his system, captured around 10AM on a bright sunny day:

Michael reminds us that you don’t need to wait for summer – with long days and clear skies, spring is a wonderful time for solar!

A few months ago we talked about how Efficiency Maine was leading the nation by creating low-interest Maine PACE loans to help homeowners finance energy efficiency projects including weatherization, heating system improvements, and solar hot water projects.

Nearly seven months later the loans are finally becoming available! Efficiency Maine has hammered out the details and we’re able to share the specifics of the program with you.

Key points on PACE:

• Minimum loan amount of $6,500, maximum loan $15,000
• Energy improvements must result in an overall home energy savings of 25% to qualify
• Energy savings is based on modeling performed by a qualified home energy auditor
• You must live in a town that has passed a PACE ordinance
• Fixed rate of 4.99%, 5, 10, or 15 year term, no pre-payment penalty or closing fees
• Loan is a junior mortgage and assumable (i.e. if you sell your home the loan can go with it)

How Do I Apply?

An online PACE application is now live on Efficiency Maine’s website as well as a program FAQ.

Note that the first step is get an energy audit done. ReVision Energy can recommend an auditor in your area if you’re interested – just contact us.

So, What Does PACE Mean for Solar?

As we mentioned recently with the launch of Biddeford Saving’s loan for solar hot water projects, the beauty of financing a solar hot water system is that the cost of loan payments is generally less than the equivalent cost of fossil fuel energy. In other words, they save you money from day one!

And, while the $1,000 Efficiency Maine solar hot water rebate would go towards paying down the loan principal, you are still eligible for the 30% federal tax credit when you finance solar hot water with PACE.

The only tricky part is that solar hot water’s energy savings benefits must be accurately modeled by your home energy auditor to ensure the system meets the 25% energy savings criteria (possibly in tandem with other work) that makes it qualify for a PACE loan. Due to the way the modeling is structured, solar hot water systems will be much more likely to qualify for a PACE loan than photovoltaic (solar electric).

Below is a video from the MABEP Conference 2010, when Fortunat Mueller of ReVision explains how 1BTU of Solar can Save 4 BTUs of Oil:

Want to Pursue PACE?

As part of our commitment to a full-service renewable energy experience, ReVision’s staff has been following the development of PACE and are intimately familiar with the process of applying for the loans. We also have strong connections in the energy auditing industry to streamline the process for you.

If the idea of finally being able to finance energy efficiency makes you ready to finally go solar, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you get started.

Which towns have passed PACE?

Efficiency Maine reports 41% of Maine’s population lives in a town with a PACE ordinance – almost half a million people! 57 towns have passed PACE so far, including:

Albion, Alfred, Arrowsic, Arundel, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Belfast, Biddeford, Bowdoinham, Bradley, Brewer, Brooksville, Bucksport, Cape Elizabeth, China, Cumberland, Dayton, Dover-Foxcroft, Falmouth, Fayette, Fort Kent, Freeport, Gray, Hallowell, Hampden, Harpswell, Houlton, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Lincoln, Lisbon, Mechanic Falls, North Haven, Old Town, Orono, Phippsburg, Portland, Presque Isle, Richmond, Rockland, Saco, Scarborough, South Berwick, South Portland, Strong, Topsham, Vassalboro, Vinalhaven, Waterboro, Waterville, West Bath, Westbrook, Winslow, Winthrop, and Yarmouth.

In process, but not yet passed are:

Brunswick, Eastport, Unity, Buckfield, York, Old Orchard Beach, Kittery, Windham and New Gloucester.

If your town still needs to pass an ordinance, we recommend contacting your town officials to urge them to adopt the ordinance – Efficiency Maine has several PACE model ordinances (PDF) available that make these loans available to town residents risk-free to the town.

More PACE Resources

• PACE – Rules of the Road and Program Info (PDF)
• PACE – Participating Municipalities (PDF)
• PACE – Program Brochure (PDF)
• PACE – Advisory Notice (PDF)

The Maine PACE Loans program was seeded by an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Efficiency Maine won the competitive grant to capitalize, administer and market the loans in a 2009 proposal. However, state law requires that all towns pass an ordinance enabling PACE before local homeowners become eligible for the loans.

A recently installed solar hot water system in Gardiner, Maine

Great news for Mainers ready to start kicking their oil habits – Biddeford Savings Bank is now offering a 7.99% APR loan program for financing solar energy projects and other efficiency upgrades.

With home heating oil averaging $3.67/gallon in Maine, financing a solar hot water system makes it possible for many homeowners to save more money in fuel costs than they spend on the loan note.

Why Financing Solar Hot Water Makes Fiscal Sense

More than 400,000 homes in Maine heat with oil, and many of these homes get their domestic hot water supply off of a high mass oil boiler. While this solution makes some sense in the wintertime, when the boiler is already running for space heat, in the summertime boiler efficiency is terrible – as low as 20% – leading to unnecessary waste from poor boiler efficiency and standby losses.

Solar hot water systems allow these homes to heat their water nearly entirely with solar energy from May through September (yes, even in Maine). With the boiler now largely dormant in these months, these homes will see a fuel oil savings of roughly 350 gallons of oil a year. That’s a savings of $1,284 a year and set to increase as oil prices continue climbing.

Now, with a solar hot water system averaging $12,500 gross, and around $7,750 after state and federal incentives, by paying cash the payback is less than 7 years. With financing that payback can be nearly instantaneous.

By putting down not quite half of the cost of the system, which is largely reimbursed by federal and state rebates, a homeowner can make a cash flow positive investment in solar hot water starting year one.

Financing Solar Hot Water Systems by the Numbers

Below posits a $6,500 loan with a $6,000 downpayment on a solar hot water system. The initial $6,000 outlay is largely reimbursed by state and federal incentives, and ultimately completely recovered by energy savings.

After the 10 year payback on the loan, you’ll experience many years of free hot water! Contact us with any questions about solar hot water system financials or for a complimentary site evaluation. You can call Biddeford Savings for loan details at: 207-284-5906.

Download program flyer

Bowdoin College’s 48 flat plate solar hot water collectors will provide more than half of the hot water used annually at their Thorne Dining Hall

With the installation of 48 flat plate solar hot water collectors, ReVision recently completed a solar hot water system that will provide more than half of the hot water used at Bowdoin College’s Thorne Dining Hall.

For Bowdoin College, who seeks to become carbon neutral by 2020, the savings of over 90,000 lbs of C02 emissions per year is an attractive benefit on top of the clean energy heating.

The Portland Press Herald recently ran a story lauding Bowdoin’s efforts:

The [carbon neutrality] program is based on a conviction that the planet is threatened by man-made climate change and that college campuses can take a leadership role in helping to stabilize the atmosphere.

… The first step in becoming carbon neutral is defining a starting point, a carbon footprint. Schools tally their heating, gasoline and power bills. They conduct inventories and use verifiable assumptions and calculations to estimate their greenhouse gas emissions for a given date.

Bowdoin determined that the school released 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide in 2008. The biggest sources came from electricity use, 44 percent, followed by heating and vehicles, 42 percent. The rest came largely from employee commuting, transmission line losses and travel.

… Beyond changing technology, Bowdoin also wants to use its educational mandate to change behavior. To meet the 2020 goal, it says, everyone on campus must share an awareness of carbon neutrality. That means developing energy-saving habits, such as shutting down computers and turning off lights.

The 48 flat plate solar hot water collectors will produce over 584,000,000 BTUs of thermal energy each year, or a savings of roughly 8,800 therms of natural gas annually. In the summertime it will mean significantly reduced runtime of a boiler dedicated specifically to Thorne Dining Hall, while in the winter the hot water supply is assisted with a central campus boiler that also provides space heat.

Possibly as exciting as the energy savings itself is the way that Bowdoin is creating fun, interactive tools for analyzing energy use and develop a culture of students, faculty, and staff who are energy conscious.

Check out this Flash-based energy production/analysis tool:

The transition to a clean energy economy is as much about changing our own attitudes towards energy as it is getting serious about fossil fuel alternatives. We’re thrilled to see Bowdoin College leading the way!

More Photos from our Schools/Nonprofits Photo Gallery:

ReVision Energy co-founder Phil Coupe speaks at a press conference held to announce a new report on the efficacy of solar hot water in Maine.

In a press conference last Thursday Environment Maine released a report finding that Mainers can save millions of gallons of oil a year with solar hot water.

“We need to do everything we can to get Maine off oil, and installing solar hot water systems is one of the no-brainers. We have long had the technology and know-how to harness the zero-cost heat of the sun to produce hot water, while at the same time cutting pollution and putting people to work in our communities. And more than ever we have a workforce that is ready to install these affordable solar systems on roofs across the state,” said Environment Maine Field Associate Nathaniel Meyer, speaking in front of Senator Justin Alfond’s East End home, which has a rooftop solar hot water system.

ReVision Energy co-founder Phil Coupe continued. “Solar hot water is one of the safest investments you can make – with relatively small upfront investments, the financial and environmental return is guaranteed,” he said. “Maine is ripe for this technology. We get 33% more sun than Germany, the world leader in solar installations. On a sunny 20-degree day, a solar hot water system can generate water that’s 130 degrees – water that’s too hot to shower in.”

See video coverage from NECN:

Video also provided by WCSH:

And several news articles on this important story!

• Bloomberg Businessweek
• Bangor Daily News
• Portland Press Herald
• Solar Thermal Magazine
• Forbes

From our photo gallery: