Submeter renewable energy systems so that energy use is recorded and verified. Compare it with the rated capacity of the system. Include this within the scope of EAc5: Measurement and Verification. 

Submitted by on

Submeter renewable energy systems so that energy use is recorded and verified. Compare it with the rated capacity of the system. Include this within the scope of EAc5: Measurement and Verification. 

If you are considering building-integrated systems that have PV integrated into windows, skylights, canopies, parking shades, or roof tiles, have the manufacturer and contractor do a constructability review. Some glazing manufacturers provide the technica

Submitted by on

If you are considering building-integrated systems that have PV integrated into windows, skylights, canopies, parking shades, or roof tiles, have the manufacturer and contractor do a constructability review. Some glazing manufacturers provide the technical input and work with the team to develop a custom product like BIPV glass laminate panels. (See Resources for more on BIPV.)

Backup power may be needed. For example, solar-thermal hot water may be combined with a hot water tank and a boiler. This will require integrated controls. A building management system can track which fuel is used when to optimize efficiency. 

Submitted by on

Backup power may be needed. For example, solar-thermal hot water may be combined with a hot water tank and a boiler. This will require integrated controls. A building management system can track which fuel is used when to optimize efficiency. 

The renewable energy designer provides layout, sizing, electrical load requirements and other design parameters to the design team. Integrate these into the overall project design and check for impacts on structural design and mechanical system sizing.&nb

Submitted by on

The renewable energy designer provides layout, sizing, electrical load requirements and other design parameters to the design team. Integrate these into the overall project design and check for impacts on structural design and mechanical system sizing. 

Current technologies for generating small-scale renewable energy systems have two major barriers: low efficiency and high installation expense. The expenses consist of the actual generating technology (photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, or a hydro plant)

Submitted by on

Current technologies for generating small-scale renewable energy systems have two major barriers: low efficiency and high installation expense. The expenses consist of the actual generating technology (photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, or a hydro plant) and the “balance of system” components: inverter, battery or grid-interface, and wiring. System components and wiring is often a major cost element. 

Conventional developer-driven projects do not allow room for long payback. It is helpful to run a long-term cost-benefit analysis to estimate the savings after the first ten years of the installation, presenting onsite renewable system as a cost-effective

Submitted by on

Conventional developer-driven projects do not allow room for long payback. It is helpful to run a long-term cost-benefit analysis to estimate the savings after the first ten years of the installation, presenting onsite renewable system as a cost-effective investment to the future occupants. Spec projects can still pursue this credit and install renewable energy with the promise of lower utility bills and future energy freedom to the occupants of the building.

Determine an annual energy-cost estimate using your energy model, if developing one for EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance, or by basing it on the estimates of average building energy usage developed by CBECS—see the LEED Reference Guide.

Submitted by on

Determine an annual energy-cost estimate using your energy model, if developing one for EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance, or by basing it on the estimates of average building energy usage developed by CBECS—see the LEED Reference Guide.

Subscribe to