Rainwater collection system provides household and garden irrigation needs. Thermal retrofit of older Pan-Abode log cottage, with air source heat pump and solar hot water pre-heat. Electric Vehicle.
Rainwater collection
Rainwater collected from the metal roofs provides almost all the water needs for this household. A total of 7,200 gallons is stored in four tanks. Treatment consists of filtration through 5 micron and charcoal filters, followed by UV treatment.
Thermal retrofit
The exterior of the Pan-Abode log walls was covered with 2 inches of Type 2 Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) board insulation and cedar siding. An additional layer of 8 inch fiberglass batts was added to the existing 6 inch batts of ceiling insulation for a total of about R-40. Windows were replaced with energy efficient vinyl frame windows with double glazed sealed units.
Finishes
To minimize environmental impact, natural and recycled materials have been used wherever possible. Floors are cork, countertops are Paperstone, and the exterior decking is recycled plastic.
Mechanical systems
Space heating is provided by a Fujitsu air source heat pump. The site faces east and there is limited solar exposure, but two east-facing flat plate solar collectors pre-heat domestic hot water. A propane on-demand water heater supplements the solar system.
Transportation
On Salt Spring, fossil fuel used to get about the island can easily exceed the fossil fuel used to heat and power our homes. These homeowners are avid cyclists, and when they need to drive, they take their all-electric Smart Car. A 220v EV charging station provides quick charging.
Food production
A small vegetable garden on the west side of the house demonstrates that a surprising amount of food can be grown in a small space. Kitchen scraps are recycled into compost using a worm composter. Rain barrels provide an extra 400 gals for garden irrigation.
PV (solar electric) system
A combination of standard racking, tilt racking, and a pole mount enables solar energy collection from a site with significant shading. The nine Canadian Solar 255W panels (2.3 kW) generated 1.58 MWh in its first year. The panels have individual SolarEdge DC optimizers to adjust for the shade situation.
For more information:
Whole house rain water collecting system:
Mindy Michener, Absolute Water Treatment Ltd. 250-537-0925
On-demand water heater, and solar hot water:
Aaron Thompson, Ambleside Plumbing, Heating, Gasfitting 250-930-0727
Solar hot water:
James Smyth, Pacific Solar Smart 250-857-4555, james@pacificsolarsmart
Heat pump:
Matt Beck, Salish Sea Heating & Ventilation
250-858-0537
PV system:
Jeff Chamberland, Bearfoot Renewables,
250-538-7523 www.bearfootrenewables.ca