Why We Use Solar On Our Homes

With climate change being the most urgent issue facing our species in its history, and the rising cost of energy, alternative energy is certainly going to be an essential energy source in the near future. Yet its usage, implementation, and benefits are needed, and are crucial, for today. We at Concourse E have recognized this urgent need, and soon to be commonplace means of energy conservation / production, by implementing two different solar-based technologies on our homes: Solar photovoltaic energy production and passive solar hot water production.

Solar Power

Solar power is almost always derived from a series of solar panels. Solar panels are comprised of solar photovoltaic (or PV) cells usually set up in a grid array. In simple terms, solar power is created when the photons from sunlight knock and excite the electrons, located inside the silicon cells of the panel itself, into a higher state of energy; therefore creating electricity which then can be transmitted to any source desired.

The solar systems that were on each townhome at 85 & 89 Weatherby were each 3.3 Kilowatt systems, but can accomodate up to a 4kw system. Depending on consumption habits, an average home of this size and energy efficiency in the Southeastern United States will need about 15-30kWh in electricity per day to operate. Given these electrical needs, the systems we have installed will be capable of supplementing 50-70% of the home's electricity. This means less coal burned to power your home, less greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere and less money you have to pay for power.

Solar Hot Water

Solar hot water uses the Sun's energy passively; meaning, the heat from sunlight itself is used directly, via an insulated panel of tubes filled with circulating water, to heat the water to temperatures as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This water is then stored in a standard water heater tank available for use at any time. Basically during the day, the Sun's heat replaces the role of gas or electricity as the mainsource of energy to heat your hot water. 81, 85, & 89 Weatherby each have their own system capable of supplying up to 95% of the home's hot water. Again, saving energy and saving money.

Below are some of the features and benefits of owning one of our projects outfitted with solar technologies:

• 50-70% energy cost savings*
• Up to 95% of hot water is heated for free
• Tax benefits
• Contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases
• Unmatched resale feature and value

There are only a handful of homes in Atlanta that have solar power / hot water. Concourse E's projects are truly ahead of the curve when it comes to residential green technology and alternative energy production. Future homeowners will most assuredly be leaders and beneficiaries of these technologies.