Spreading Sunshine: A Solar-Powered Home in New Mexico
(Page 2 of 3)
July/August 2008
By Lori Tobias
A solar system helps heat water for the radiant floors, exercise pool, washing machine, shower and sinks.
Richard and Betsy collect household water to irrigate the native plants in their landscaping. “The tree roots, including the small orchard Richard and Betsy planted, get their water and lots of good nutrients from reclaimed sources,” Smith says.
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All the wood in the home was carefully chosen: Log rafters, or vigas, and framing lumber from selectively harvested, standing dead spruce trees make up the walls and support the roof; the cabinets, doors and windows are made of pine from progressively managed local forests; and all the wood flooring is made from Forest Stewardship Council- certified cherry.
Green is gorgeous
Creating the house wasn’t a simple task, Richard admits. It took time and research and lots of problem solving, but it came with an unexpected bonus.
“The most pleasant surprise is how absolutely beautiful it is. It’s a gorgeous home, and it is so pleasant to live here,” Richard says. “We were able to achieve an elegant look with largely nontoxic and natural materials. In the end, people don’t see it as a fancy house—they see it as a warm place to live.”
A conversation with the designer
How does this home’s grid-tied solar energy system differ from off-grid systems?
Mitchell Smith: I used to live off the grid, and that’s a neat way to go, but this is even neater. You get full credit for all the electricity you generate, and your neighbors can use your surplus. In contrast, if you are off the grid, there are many days you generate “extra” electricity that goes to waste, and there are other days when you’ve used all your stored electricity and you have to generate using fossil fuel. But when you are on the grid, the highs and lows do not matter. If you can net zero energy over the course of a whole year, consuming about what you produce, you provide a benefit to your neighbors, the planet and yourself. It’s hassle-free, clean energy and a win-win for everyone.
You referred to Richard and Betsy as “pioneers” for being among the first to feed electricity from their home to the grid back in 2002. How has grid-tied living developed since then?