 On a hilltop in Exeter,
Rhode Island is Sanford
Farm, a planned residential enclave that features six zero energy
homes, each resting on a 2 – 3 acre wooded lot. The homes at Sanford
Farm will be harvesting the sun, by coupling state-of-the-art design
and construction with the sun’s power for modern zero energy living.
They use the strength of steel and the efficiency of rigid
insulation panels to create a superior building that minimizes and
conserves the energy needed for comfortable living. Add heating and
cooling by a ground source heat pump using the sun’s heated stored
in the ground, power your electrical needs with rooftop solar panels
and you’ll use the free power of the sun for all your energy needs.
Freedom from utility costs is now available.
Come be part of a community dedicated
to solar energy independence. These homes are Rhode Island’s first
community using 21st century technology dedicated to uniting
superior comfort with responsible energy usage.
The homes, on lots perced for 4
bedrooms, are not restricted to a particular design, but in order to
function, must have some common elements of form:
- A glass enclosed farmers porch,
facing south, that provides passive solar gain in winter, and a two
door entry to help maintain the inside temperature in winter and
summer.
- A metal roof with integrated solar
electric panels that produce all or most of the home’s electricity.
During the day, the rooftop turns the electric meter backwards; at
night the home draws on its stored electricity,
(net metering).
- Geothermal and solar hot water to
power the radiant floor heating system and domestic hot water.
- Structural Insulating Panel
construction (SIP)
- An Insulated Concrete Foundation,
(ICF) using EPS insulation panels that stay in place
- Reduced water usage, using such
elements as a xeriscaped yard, Energy Star appliances, and dual
flush toilets
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