Bauer Power site survey

Bob Brown of Bauer Power http://www.bauerpower.com/visited our property on Thursday, last week. He visually surveyed the site to determine if the site is amenable to wind power and talk about solar. Since we are far inland the wind is not as powerful, however, it could produce around 20-25% of our energy. Solar is a definite. Panels on the side of the home for DHW (domestic how water and heating) and PV on the roof of the home for power.

We talked about first putting up a barn/garden shed with PV near where the home would be so the building would be able to take advantage of them during construction, them moving them to the home.

We are going to be grid-tied. I have read that renewables are more efficient when grid-tied. Losses around 20% occur through battery storage. Not to mention the safety and environmental issues and higher maintenacne that come with batteries.

Site Survey

After finding out that I could buy a nice induction cook top for less than the price of a topo, survey- we decided to do it ourselves. I had surveyed as a summer intern in college and periodically in my early work days, and my dad had all the equipment-so no problem.

Friday March 6th was beautiful-sunny and 60! So we skipped out of work early to survey the area of our property where want are home. It took a lot longer than we anticipated-but it was a family affair. Pete and I measured and set the stakes, the kids painted the stakes, then I surveyed, Pete ran the rod, and the kids painted smiley faces on the barn while we were busy. (They asked if they may paint the barn and we said yes thinking that they would just paint it-they were thinking "decorate":-)

I entered the data in excel and came up with a pretty nice looking 3-D surface plot of the area. Even though it took a while, it feels great to be this involved in the process.

Road Trip

Last weekend we were able to tour two homes designed by Eric (Image Design, LLC) and and built by Adam (Hybrid Homes). First, Adam gave us a tour of the Onekama home. This home is LEED Platinum and has won at least two national awards. The thermostat was set at 60, but it was 63 deg. inside with the shades drawn-and it was still morning with temperatures in the teens! We loved the main living area with the warm sun pouring through the windows. This is (something that we never experience at our current house in the winter-our garage is on the south side).

After lunch we went to Watercress in Pentwater with Adam, Eric, and Christy. This home is projected to be LEED Platimum and has already been featured on the cover of W&C Architect. Finishing work is still going on inside, but what can I say... it was a very cool cottage-inside and out. (I think we just picked out our ceiling fans).

We now are very excited about the possiblities for our new home and enthusiastic about using our home building process and final home to educate the public and promote "green building". We look forward with working with such an enthusiastic and inspiring team on our project.