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On Saturday, October 21st, Sedona and the Verde Valley will be taking part in the
11th annual American Solar Energy Society’s (ASES) National Solar Tour. The Verde
Valley tour is from 10am-4pm. The homes will be divided into two time groups, 10-1 and
1-4. Participants in the Sedona and Verde Valley tours not only get a close look at the
homes, but will also meet the builders and talk with the owners. During this event
thousands of solar-powered, green design, and sustainable homes and buildings in 44
states will be open for public tours. The National Solar Tour offers Americans an
opportunity to see how their neighbors are putting reliable solar power and other energy
efficient technologies to work. Interest in solar power has increased dramatically in the
wake of escalating fuel costs, devastating weather, and growing concerns over energy
security.
In recognition of increased demand for information about alternate energy and
building practices, Governor Napolitano has declared October as “Arizona Solar,
Renewable Energy and Sustainability Month.” Accordingly, the Arizona Solar Energy
Association (ASEA) is hosting solar tours across the state every weekend of the month.
This year’s focus is “Living with the Sun- Arizona Style,” and will feature practical ways
to take advantage of Arizona’s abundant sunlight. The benefits of solar power are clear.
First, sunlight is limitless, and Arizona receives almost year-round sunshine. Second,
solar generators can operate independently of a large electrical grid, making them good
choices for people in remote areas, and providing a measure of security. “One central
facility is an easy target,” says Martin Pasqualetti. “If there are 10,000 solar sites out
there, terrorists aren’t as attracted to them.” Of course, solar energy is also
environmentally sound, producing no pollutants, no noise and needing no transmission
lines. There will be tours every weekend in October throughout the State. For more
information on this state-wide event, please visit www.azsolarcenter.com.
Among this years homes will be a dome home completely off the grid. This home
is not hooked to any utilities, deriving all its power from the sun and wind. A rammed
earth home, with beautiful red earthen wall construction, that is both pleasing to look at,
and comfortable year round. Two new homes using some of the latest technologies: SIPS
panels, PV- water heating hybrid, rastra blocks, green building materials and paints, and
more. A straw-bale home that is unique in its creative minimalism.
Debuting on the tour this year is a newly built home featuring the latest
technologies in green, sustainable construction. Though it is tied to the grid, its 7.8 KW
photovoltaic system is large enough to live a modern lifestyle without any electricity
from APS. The system consists of 60 solar panels. The suns energy is converted into
electricity that is stored in 56 batteries to power the home after the sun has set. The walls
are constructed of highly insulated SIPS panels and Rastra block. The high “R” value
from these innovative walls means less power to heat and cool the home, saving money
and the environment. The home captures gray water for reuse and irrigating the
landscaping. The floors are bamboo, a new arrival on the sustainable scene. The wood
grows quickly on farms for use in construction, eliminating the old practice of clearcutting
forests for our wood. The PET carpets are made from recycled plastic, the FSC
doors come from managed forests, and the home is illuminated by extensive natural
lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Also on tour this year is a 2600 sq. foot home that is best described as "poured earth"
construction. The walls are 20 inches thick and consist of 30% each of earth, red ash and
sand and an additional 10% of Portland cement. Within the outer walls is 4 inches of
foam that serves as a thermal break between the inner and outer walls. The floors are
stained concrete, and combined with the walls, provide a total of 150 tons of thermal
mass. The south walls is almost all glass and together with the high clerestory windows,
supply abundant heat on sunny, cool, winter days. The home also features a solar hot
water system and in the future, will be adding solar photovoltaics. All windows are
double-paned and have insulated shades inside. Almost all of the lighting is florescent.
A demonstration home built by Architectural and Environmental Associates will be on
tour as well. Besides viewing this home, people can stop by and also see slides and gather
information about solar, wind turbines, green design and construction and water
catchment systems. The compact design of this home provides space needed but
minimizes overall size of house. This is green sustainable design. It saves energy to heat
and cool and saves money to build due to its modest size. The all plywood construction in
the house and cabinets helps reduce VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) and chemical
off-gassing such as formaldehyde. All hard surface floors reduce dust, bacteria, mold,
mites, chemicals and other environmental chemicals in the house. Sealed fireplace unit
with circulating heat and remote control, prevents contaminates from entering the house.
The garage is finished with R25 insulation in walls, R30 in ceiling and durable finished
floor. A central vacuum system, which exhausts contaminates to the outside, and the
special kick base in the kitchen provide for easy cleaning. Operable clerestory windows
provide a draft cooling effect and makes use of loft space for additional living area. Light
and airy design with passive solar clerestory windows and large stone Trombe wall, along
with stone countertops, concrete and clay tile floors provide thermal mass. Upgraded
heating and cooling system with HEPA and UV light filtration unit, wall detector and
separate control for humidification, and electronic filter. All these features which provide
better Indoor Air Quality and better human comfort and health. Upgraded attic ventilation
with radiant heat reflective foil on entire roof, R35 roof construction helps save energy
and keeps the house comfortable. Low E value insulated windows on south wall helps
reduce heat gain. Low or no chemical construction used throughout the home.
Alternatives such as environmentally friendly boric acid sill plate treatment were used
.Interior walls insulated for sound deadening and also to add additional mass to the home
adding to the energy savings. Eco-aquatic balanced waterfall and pond minimizes water
usage while providing a pleasant human experience. Cement stucco exterior for low