Page 43 - Green Builder Remodeling Field Report 2021

Solar modules from LG Electronics means Cooper is less reliant on the electric grid in Texas, which has been particularly plagued
by rolling power outages. Shown here is the installation of LG NeOn 2 350-watt modules by NATiVE Solar. COURTESY NATIVE SOLAR

SUPPLEMENTAL SUN POWER
Cooper opted for solar modules from LG Electronics to reduce
her dependence on the sometimes-unreliable electric grid
in Texas, which has been plagued by rolling brownouts and
blackouts, as well as the devastating failure of the grid during
the unusual ice and snow storm early in 2021.
“Tiana had two overarching goals for her home: to get it as
close to being net zero as possible and to future-proof the Greenfiber’s 85
home to make it more resilient,” says Brian Lynch, director of percent post-consumer
solar and storage for LG Electronics. recycled paper
Cooper’s home has a large south-facing roof, which is ideal
for generating solar power. insulation locks in 1.34
tons of carbon dioxide
“The solar modules we produce now have a better design,
with wires instead of ribbons. These are more beautiful, and during the lifetime
of the home— the
they absorb more light,” says Lynch. “New technology has equivalent work of 807
drastically reduced the cost of solar modules while increasing
their efficiency.” trees. COURTESY GREENFIBER
While 440-watt modules are now available, Cooper chose INSULATION OFFERS COMFORT AND
to install 35 LG NeON 2 350-watt modules because they pro- SUSTAINABILITY
duce plenty of electricity at a lower cost. Lynch estimates that Adding insulation when remodeling is a standard part of
Cooper’s electric bills will be near zero or have a negative bal- improving energy efficiency, but there’s nothing standard
ance over the course of a year. about Greenfiber.
LG’s solar panels are designed for sustainability and guaran- “Our insulation is made from 85 percent post-consumer
teed to produce at 90 percent of its capacity at the end of 25 recycled paper, so it starts from a tree, is used by consumers,
years, compared with the 80 percent of the capacity of most and then recycled for the insulation,” says Laura Woodford,
solar panels, says Lynch. director of marketing for U.S. Greenfiber. “The coolest thing

REMODELING FIELD REPORT GREEN BUILDER 43