Eco Factor: Off-grid home generates solar energy, harvests rainwater.
LSarc Architects are working to give San Francisco its first totally energy neutral home, which is scheduled for construction in 2010. The house is powered by an eight kilowatt solar array, which generates enough energy to power the home and recharge the owner’s electric car.
In addition to the generation of solar energy, the home carries floor plants in the exposed concrete floors that act as passive solar collectors to capture the heat of the day to warm the interiors after dark. The home uses an electric heat pump to pump hot water, which is heated after extracting domestic hot water.
A 1500-gallon gray water reclamation system holds on to water collected from sinks, showers and tubs and also collects rainwater to irrigate the backyard vegetable garden. To reduce the energy load on the solar panels, the house will be fitted with energy-saving LED light fixtures that will add a touch of color to the already green dwelling.
Via: Unplggd
