8/29/2009 6:00:00 AM 'Net zero energy impact' home ultimate in energy efficiency
At right in photo is one of two 2.88 kilowatt solar panels that will tilt and move to collect sunlight to provide power to the Scheller's net zero energy home. Construction of the home started this summer and will be completed in late November. A net zero energy home produces at least as much energy as it consumes.
Tom Paque, senior vice president of customer services and administration for WPPI Energy, presents the Schellers with initial GreenMax funding in the amount of $18,000. WPPI Energy will provide a total of $42,000 in GreenMax Home funding for the build.
Aaron Swanum Unified Newspaper Group
Homeowners John and Rebecca Scheller will soon have a true, energy-efficient home and be able to continue their desire to be good stewards of the land.
The Schellers, through WPPI Energy's GreenMax Home initiative, are constructing a net zero energy home in the Town of Rutland. With a combination of renewable energy systems and energy-efficient construction, the home will generate more power than it uses - creating a net zero impact.
The home at 1102 Lake Kegonsa Road will be one of the region's first net zero homes in the WPPI Energy member service territory of Stoughton Utilities. Working with Shaw Building & Design, construction on the 4,000 square-foot home began on July 7 and is set to be completed in late November.
When growing up on the family farm, John's father had a vision to use windmills to provide energy but was unable to afford it. It was that vision and his father's desire for himself and his children to be good stewards of the land that helped drive John and his wife.
"This means a tremendous amount to us and our commitment to stewardship of the land," John Scheller said. "(We) couldn't be happier and we are looking forward to the future and teaching our children about this.
"It's not just about being green, it's about being stewards of the land and inspiring people. We are committed to a lifestyle and want to continue my father's vision of stewardship of the land."
The home features a geothermal system that has two ground-source heat pumps, which will provide heating, cooling and hot water to the building. There are also energy efficent windows and LED lights in the home, along with increased insulation levels and special attention to air sealing.
There are also two large pole-mounted 2.88 kilowatt solar panels near the home that will tilt and move to collect sunlight.
Additional features include structural plumbing with advanced designs and controls to reduce hot water waste and energy use. The home also has a New England Saltbox design, making the home easy to insulate and seal.
The Schellers will work with Stoughton Utilities and WPPI Energy to monitor and manage their energy use to make sure they meet their net zero energy goal.
"We are excited to support the Schellers as they begin the pursuit of net zero energy use and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship," said Tom Paque, senior vice president of customer services and administration for WPPI Energy.
John Scheller said not only is the home predicted to be net zero, but that it will also supply energy to the power company.
"Over the long haul it's a no brainer," John Scheller said. "People need to look at the long term benefits, not only for energy but treating our resources with respect."
WPPI Energy will provide a total of $42,000 in GreenMax Home funding for the Scheller's project. They received an $18,000 check at a kickoff event at the home on Aug. 12 and will receive an additional $18,000 when the home is completed and $6,000 after the Schellers show net zero energy use for one year. The Schellers received $24,000 in federal tax credits and $17,000 on Focus on Energy Incentives, with remaining incremental costs for the Schellers around $16,000.
"Through the GreenMax Home, we can do more and take the next step in improving our efficiency efforts," John Scheller said. "We see this project as an opportunity to be stewards of the land, and we hope to inspire others to make a similar commitment."
To track the construction process and learn more about the initiative, visit www.greenmaxhome.com.
