$500
50% to 74%
of electricity
$7,000
7.1%
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Living in a wicked efficient, solar home can be very cool.
$500
50% to 74%
of electricity
$7,000
7.1%
Property
- Owner:
- Michael & Trudy Mayhew - Heliotropic Technologies
- Type:
- Single-Family Residence
- Address:
- 60 Campbell Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
- Size:
- 2,900 sq ft
- Energy need met:
- 50% to 74% of electricity
- Designations:
- Deep energy retrofit
- Passive house
- Event Participation:
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2014 Host
Technology
- Type:
- Solar PV
- Installed:
- May 2007
- Size of System:
- 2.35 kW
- Monitor performance:
- https://easyview.auroravision.net/easyview/index.html?entityId=2049494
- Purposes:
- To generate electricity
Financial Details
- Gross Cost of System:
- $14,180
- Value of Rebates:
- $2,000
- Value of Tax Credits:
- $3,655
- Net Cost of System:
- $7,000
- Annual Savings:
- $500
- Own or Lease:
- Cash Purchase
- Additional Financial Notes:
- The last 1.0 kW of PV was added in 2013 to take advantage of a regional "Non-Transmission Alternative Pilot Program, that created an additional $40/month cashflow for 36 months, improving the return on the investment and bringing the property to Net-zero electricity.
Professionals & Suppliers
- Installers:
- Heliotropic Technologies
- Architects:
- Heliotropic Technologies
- Builders:
- Heliotropic Technologies - Michael J. Mayhew, GBE
- Energy Auditors:
- Michael J. Mayhew, PE, CEM, GBE
What You Need to Know
Description:
Grid Tied PV Cedar-sided contemporary built with local (Maine grown) cyprus and lots of drift wood. Three levels of decks with great elevated ocean views of Boothbay Harbor. 2,0 W PV system & solar powered hot water system, attached green house with 1000 gallon thermal storage pond,efficient lighting, condensing boiler, radiant heated floor, passive heating, daylighting and efficient appliances. Working engineering & sales office, as well as home to 6 with ~$10/month electric bills. 4 bedroom home with office, and large kitchen, living room and attached greenhouse located on Campbell Street on the East side of Boothbay Harbor.
Other Benefits:
The house is a very warm, healthy and sunny place to be. We start plants early in the spring and have a great green and growing place throughout the winter. This home serves as our working sales tool for renewable energy systems and efficient technologies.
Maintenance Requirements:
The SHW system requires matenance, flushing out the heat transfer fluid every 4-5 years and the solar preheat tank needs its sacrificial anoids replaced every 7-8 years. Occationally, snow is raked off the collectors if there is a large storm. The PV system is practically maintenance-free.
Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:
Loose Fill Cellulose on existing structure, recent additions have closed-cell foam with walls of R-30 to R-35 and cielings that vary from R-50, to R-60 and R-78. Daylighting, Energy Star Appliances, Local Materials, Radiant floor heating, Sunspace, Super Insulated Walls/ Roof
My Motivation:
I am an environmentalist, enjoy carpentry and have been a solar enthusiast since I was in middle school. My business, Heliotropic Technologies, an energy engineering services and renewable energy business operates out of this location. Needing a showroom for products, these working systems made a lot of sense to have on property.
Advice:
Hire Heliotropic Technologies to develop a strategic energy plan, and then have them install your energy efficient systems.
Experience with Installer:
I've had to train many of the trades-people that contributed to creating this home. All in all, my subcontractors were great! I stayed very involved in the projects. so that everything went smoothly. If you have the time and abilities, I'd recommend that. If you don't, I'd hire a good project manager. (Please check with Heliotropic Technologies for project manager availability.)
Open House Info:
Take Rte 1 North across Wiscasset bridge, Turn onto Rte 26 headed to Boothbay Region. Travel ~10 miles to Boothbay Harbor. Take left onto Union Street and continue on to Atlantic Avenue. Turn left on High (or Bay) Street and then take a left onto Campbell Street. The house has Heliotropic Technologies signs and is located near the Park Street end. This was an existing seasonal cottage that was situated with very good southern exposure and elevated ocean views, that has been retrofitted into a super-efficient cool place. It was not torn-down, but cost-effectively improved and is now a local landmark. Latest tower/dormer addition has R-80 ceiling & R-45 walls insulated with urethane foam and reflective barrior.
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