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Westport, Conn., home shines with innovative solar technology
September 1, 2010
The Synergy Roof system has been available in Europe for a number of years, but recently had its first U.S. install at a home in Westport, Conn. Manufactured by German firm Schuco Solar, the system combines solar-electricity generation, solar water-heating and heat recovery in one integrated roof system.
According to the Westport News, homeowner John Rountree, an architect and solar consultant, also improved airflow with an open floor plan, installed a special European wood stove with a complex flue system that provides efficient heating of the first floor level, and added bamboo floors throughout the house because bamboo is a renewable resource.
"The solar system we put on our house is a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art system," Rountree told the Westport News. He said the solar system generates about 70 percent of the family's electricity. In some months the system over-produces, providing more electricity than needed. When that occurs, excess electricity is fed back to the grid and the Rountrees get a credit from the utility company. In April and May of this year, Rountree said, his electric bills were $16, which represents just the service fee.
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