How can I save money and energy while operating my high-performance building?
- If you already have a high-performance building, an energy audit can pin point key ways to reduce your energy consumption that are linked to things other than energy efficient equipment, such as operation schedules and occupancy habits.
Is there an Energy Star program for commercial buildings?
- Yes! There are two pathways available for commercial buildings to meet the Energy Star program. This depends on whether the building is being designed or already built.
- If the building is under construction it can be certified as "Designed to meet Energy Star." This means that the building's projected energy consumption puts it in the top 25% of the least consuming buildings in their building use category. This is verified with a year's worth of actual utility data before the building is certified as an Energy Star for Commercial building.
- The other pathway is for existing buildings. This requires a year of utility bills to benchmark the buildings current performance. If the building is already a high performing building based on it being one of the top 25% most efficient buildings in their category, Southern Energy can verify that the building meets the Energy Star requirements and submit documentation to the EPA. If your building does not meet the Energy Star guidelines, Southern Energy can perform an energy audit to help you make improvements to obtain the Energy Star label for your commercial building.
What other services do you provide?
- Design review for moisture management, energy efficiency and risk prevention
- Forensic diagnostics: the investigation of building failures and problem buildings
What is the best application for solar water heating (thermal)?
- A facility that uses hot water frequently makes a great candidate for solar thermal installation! Facilities in your municipality or for government application like fire stations, hospitals, assisted living and multi-family units, recreation centers, cafeterias, and schools are great examples of buildings that frequently use a significant amount of hot water.
What kind of payback can I expect with a solar water heating system?
- Solar water heating systems generally pay for themselves within three to six years!
Can my government/municipality facility get LEED points for using solar water heating?
- Yes! Solar thermal is recognized as a renewable technology under the LEED-NC rating system.
Is there funding available to my municipality or government aplication for installing a solar water heating system?
- Grants were created in the recent provision of the stimulus package for the purchase of renewable energy systems. The grants are available for tax-paying entities only and is meant to be taken in lieu of the federal tax credit.
Is solar feasible for my pool?
- Heating your pool with solar is a cost effective approach to reducing a site's energy consumption. Based on the size of the pool, desired temperature, indoor/outdoor location, and amount of roof space, Southern Energy will be able to design a system that will that will meet your needs.
Will solar extend the length of my pool season?
- Yes, solar will extend your facility's pool season. In the Carolinas, most pool heating can be 100% solar for six months of the year.
How does a solar electric system help my town's broader sustainability goals?
- Solar electric systems use power from the sun to generate clean, renewable energy powering your facilities and fed back into your utility's power lines.
Is my building ideal for solar electricity (photovoltaic)?
- Typically, an unshaded, south-facing roof makes an ideal site for a solar system. Whether your facility has a flat roof or a pitched roof, solar photovoltaic technology can easily be integrated into your site's design.
How much does a solar electric system cost?
- Solar electric systems or PV systems are priced in $/Watt. For a 4.75-kW system, you will start to break even between the 4th and 5th year.
I hear that prices are coming down - does it make more sense to wait to buy solar PV?
- The industry has seen a welcome reduction in solar PV prices since late 2008 and into early 2009, but supply and demand are driven largely by when incentives are introduced and retired. Installing solar PV today, however, ensures a system with 20-plus years of increasing value as electricity prices continue to escalate.
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