"This is a topic I have discussed many times, but unfortunately cost is all too often the deciding…"
Computer-based Solar Design Tools
With climate changes and rising energy prices, many designers, builders, remodelers, and homeowners now realize that building-integrated solar can be particularly cost-effective in tandem with super-efficiency, providing measurable savings to owners. The bottom line: Solar energy is back in a big way, but the only means of determining which measures are most cost-effective is to undertake computer energy modeling, preferably with a flexible software tool that provides consistent, understandable results. There are several results-oriented solar-design tools that I have found to be useful in providing practical solutions to common design problems.
See: "Solar-Design Tools for Green Building" by Bion Howard, Home
Energy, Solar & Efficiency Special
Views: 14
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Dan Kuthy on -
At PVPower, we're in the process of developing some simple, accurate and easy-to-use solar design, planning and proposal tools. The first portion the software, System Designer, is available at http://systemdesigner.pvpower.com - I'd love to hear if anyone has feedback.
System Designer takes roof size and a few other factors and builds working module and inverter combinations.
Regards,
Dan -
Home Energy Pros
Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.
Latest Activity
Sean Lintow Sr replied to Bachi Brunato's discussion Boxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans"If you can't talk them into replacing with IC rated...
Look into Tenmat - those are designed…"
Bachi Brunato posted a discussionBoxing and Insulating Around Non-ICAT Cans
I have a client with 16) 4" halogen recessed light fixtures in the attic.I'd like to cover the cans…See More
Dennis Heidner replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories"Could you have them make a simple two line graph of the outside temperature, noting sun/clouds,…"
Bob Blanchette replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"You make some valid points, especially with the base rate charges. Increasing the base rate instead…"
Bob Blanchette replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"Amen, make energy show it's true cost instead of subsidizing it.
We have some of the lowest…"
Dennis Heidner replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"The press report really doesn't give enough information to clearly answer why they are…"
Edward Foskey commented on Edward Foskey's blog post Preparing to Update the Heat Pump"Gustavo,
Thanks for the input. I agree with you in that I will be waiting till my system's…"
Gustavo Melo commented on Edward Foskey's blog post Preparing to Update the Heat Pump"Any system that is out of warranty is really a coin toss as to whether it is financially better to…"
Dennis Heidner replied to J.C. Martel's discussion Disasters & sustainable energy"Such as Greensburg…"
Tom Delconte commented on Edward Foskey's blog post Preparing to Update the Heat Pump"Thanks, Ed, I get it now. I would just put in what my hvac guy tells me to put in: a $17,000…"
Jim Gunshinan commented on Jim Gunshinan's blog post The Universe Is Made of Stories"Hi Tom,
I'm sorry you didn't think my blog post was helpful or appropriate. I'll…"
© 2013 Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
