All LivingHomes come with a photovoltaic system meant to offset the energy consumption of the home.  This is a tenet of our Z6 philosophy; to achieve zero energy, a LivingHome must both reduce consumption and use renewable energy for the production of the energy the LivingHome uses.

Uploaded by Leo Reynolds

Now is the time to go solar!  Photovoltaic (PV) production has doubled every two years since 2008, and the efficiency of solar cells is rising just as rapidly.

Benefits

•  Sunlight is an abundant and renewable resource.
•  Solar power generates zero pollution during use.
•  PVs generate the most electricity during the hours of peak demand.
•  Residential photovoltaic systems reduce losses from transmission and distribution.

In the first LivingHome in sunny Santa Monica, a 2.4kWh PV system by PermaCity Solar generates power while doubling as shading on the roof deck.  The system provides at least 75% of the home’s electrical needs during the summer.

The KieranTimberlake LivingHome, already constructed, packaged, and ready for delivery, will be the first LivingHome with an integrated solar package.  A 3.2kWh photovoltaic system by Suntech Power will soak up the sun from the roof of the home installed in Newport Beach, CA.

Building-integrated photovoltaics replace traditional building materials, in this case the roofing membrane, and reduce the visual impact of attached photovoltaic systems.  This adds to the advantages by reducing the amount of materials, labor, and cost required.

Many cities, counties, and states offer financial incentives to installing photovoltaics on your home.  Check to see if your area offers any of these:

•  Investment subsidies and tax credits refund the installation of photovoltaic systems.  Click here for details.
•  Feed-in Tariffs and Net Metering allow the electricity utility to buy back your extra power.
•  Renewable Energy Certificates are tradable commodities that prove production of renewable energy.

Originally Uploaded by Jeremy Levine Design