Pilot Homes
Mitchell-O’Brien Residence
East Hill, Vernon BC
Desire to be community leaders as they take steps towards being eco-friendly.
2,500 sq ft home built in 1918
Retrofits: July 2024
Total annual solar power generation:
10,611 kWh
Total emissions saved:
4 tons per year
RESULTS AND WHAT THEY LOVE THE MOST NOW
What was most important
The Mitchell-O’Brien family are known for their motto "Do Good in Your Hood". Participating in the pilot gave them a great opportunity to show neighbours how to really practice what they preach. They liked the community aspect of being a part of the pilot project which seemed like the best way for their family to move forward on their journey of becoming more eco-friendly in an educational way.
Clean energy solutions
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Cold climate air source heat pump a new natural gas backup furnace
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Hybrid electric hot water tank
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Solar photovoltaic system to power all appliances and new heating equipment
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Electrical panel replacement was required, but not a service upgrade
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Energy monitoring system
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Windows are being replaced by a separate contractor outside the HomeZero program
Challenges that arose
The residence had an old electrical panel that didn’t have enough capacity for the new heating systems and needed to be replaced. However a service upgrade was not required. The homeowners also wanted additional solar panels to cover the entire load of their expected electrical consumption. So a few additional solar panels were added that could not generate the optimal amount of power, but still contributed to net energy production. The BC Hydro solar rebate was a pleasant surprise that made the overall financial value proposition more attractive.
Does a shower feel different when the water is heated with energy from the sun vs the unending maze of gas lines under the infrastructure of towns and cities?
The answer is unequivocally YES!!!
Does the heat and cooling feel different coming from the depths of the Earth vs the same unending maze of gas lines?