Solar panels

Solar panels are able to generate electricity from light energy. Different materials and
combinations yield different wattages. Electricity produced can both power the home and
be sold back to the grid. In Canada, the optimized angle is 30o facing south. Solar panel
roofing can be attached on top of traditional asphalt shingles or can be installed directly as
the shingles themselves using solar shingles.
Solar panels
More options available

Pros

Cons

Requires for roof to bear

additional load
Must be reinstalled during
reroofing
See table below
See table below

Cost
Yield

Solar shingles
Does not require load testing
on roof
Not limited by reroofing
period
Has not been tested for long
term use

$34,485 for 950 sq.ft.

At 950 sq.ft. of solar shingle,
the estimated yearly output
is 12,017 kWh

Solar panels
Array size
5 kW
6 kW
7 kW
8 kW
9 kW
10 kW

Annual Energy
5, 875
7, 050
8, 225
9, 400
10, 575
11, 750

Cost
$19, 180
$21, 950
$24, 490
$26, 700
$29, 770
$31, 995

kWh cost in cents

16
15.3
14.7
14
13.9
13.5

*Based on 25 year life

Based on the data I collected, solar shingles would not only generate more electricity, but it
would also last longer since it does not require replacement during reroofing. Solar shingles
save $3800 for re-roofing and can be estimated to generate up to $5000 in returns from the
government. Despite a higher initial cost, I believe that solar shingles are a better choice as
compared to solar panels

Passive solar
Passive solar techniques include taking advantage of natural lighting and also shading the
interior of the house during the afternoon peak.
The house is designed with many large windows, this not only allows better ambient lighting
so that the need for electrical light is reduced but also helps with air circulation throughout
the house.
The house also has overhangs both on the first and second storey. The overhang helps block
out the Sun during the afternoon so that the house does not become too warm. Positioned
strategically above the windows, it casts a shadow when the sun is directly overhead.

Sustainable materials
Sustainable wood can be described as having a low environmental impact. They can be
naturally occurring or be made from processed wood materials. Between framing and
flooring, different types of wood are used.
For the framing materials, I decided to use maple since it is readily available in Canada
(therefore requiring less transportation) and is also very hardy.
Flooring is made with bamboo which is a fast growing plant with a seven year lifecycle
(which means it absorbs less carbon). It is well recognized for its sustainability and is fast
growing in popularity as a building material. Bamboo is extremely durable and long lasting.

Cellulose Insulation
It is estimated that 12.4% (3.2 tonnes) of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by
heating/cooling systems. Good insulation increases energy efficiency and reduces both
energy costs and environmental impact.
There are many options for insulation. I chose to use cellulose which is made from recycled
paper fibers. It is relatively inexpensive compared to similar options and contains up to 85%
recycled content. It is also a good sound insulator and does no contain harmful chemicals.
However, due to the paper content of its material, it does not resist water well and can mold
and mildew if it is not properly installed and protected from water.
Cellulose insulation has been increasing in popularity and is readily available at local
hardware stores. RONA sells cellulose insulation for $8.94 for a package of 25 lbs. it contains
80% recycled material and 85% of the product is produced within 800 km of the selling
location.

Impact
By using solar shingles, this effectively eliminates all GHGs produced for electricity
consumption since the amount produced by the shingles per year exceeds the average
household electricity consumption. The increased effectiveness of the insulation will ensure
that the amount of energy for heating and cooling is reduced. And the sustainable material
will reduce the overall impact of building such a house. All of these numbers are subjective
and there will always be deviance from the expected result due to external circumstances
such as weather and the amount of energy used. This change is not only for short term
impact but for long term change and the benefits speak for themselves. Within 15 years, the
solar shingles are paid back and will continue to generate revenue for a long time afterwards.
This house is an investment into innovation, it is an investment for our future.