Solar Power and Other Green Ideas?

Question

My husband and I are drawing up plans for a new house we will be building hopefully in the next few months. I want to look into solar power and other green options. Right down to what we use to build. If anyone can give me ideas and web sites that will help me on this quest that would be greatly appericated.

Answer 1

I'll have to come back with links later, but there are some really cool sites.

I've seen interesting articles on Greenburg, Kansas and "Green After Katrina" about  people who were forced to start over and decided to go "green."

I'll post the links when I have a chance.  Good on you for the decision to do a green build.

Answer 2

If you are really serious about making a green house I highly recommend spending a lot of time on the design to make it as efficient as possible first, then think about alternative energy.

Your are much better off spending your money on high efficiency windows, radiant barrier, ground source heat pumps and natural shading and ventilation techniques. You will get a bigger bang for your buck.

I am a LEED AP (green architectural designer) and I would be happy to consult you more, just contact me. There is just too much info to put on yahoo and a lot of it is specific to your location and local climate.

In the mean time checkout my site as it has a lot of information on things you can do to green a home.

http://www.neutralexistence.com

Answer 3

The following website is a matching service for solar power. You put in your project request and get matched to solar professionals.

http://www.discoverperfectenergy.com/dpe...

Answer 4

http://www.oksolar.com/

http://www.solarpanelstore.com/

http://www.altersystems.com/catalog/inde...

Here is a few sites for you There is so many out there You will have to shop around for the one that fits your needs

Answer 5

Just wanted to give you something else to look into, if you go with a septic system you can vent methane off it to heat your home or power your cars.  No, this does not smell because the process of doing so removes all other gases so you are left with pure methane.

Answer 6

I dont have any links, but i saw some cool homes which I think you could incorporate for your new house.

Have a chain linking from the roof down to a big container to collect rain water. To prevent mosquito breeding, ensure that there is no opening. Water collected can be used to water the plants, clean the toilet etc.

Create a big container that can rotate. I saw this in the oprah show. The big container contain soil which you will mix together with your biodegrable food stuff like, finished apple or unfinished rice. This soil will be used as fertiliser for your home gardening.

Build your house facing north south direction(i think) , this will get natural sunlight. From the dawn till dusk.

Use energy saving light bulbs. Have a hose that will make a person press the head to activate it, rather than open and let water flow. Or better yet, use automatic tap that require sensor. This help in small sink use to wash face.

Thats all i have for now. Hope my suggestions help. :)

Answer 7

You should definitely check out Natural Home magazine. They've got great articles on eco-friendly home options. Kudos to you!

Answer 8

Solor powered roof shingles they kinda blend in.  and there is a pdf thing with a bunch of different websites that may help ya.