Page 18 - Green Builder April 2017 Issue

ENERGY PRODUCTION, STORAGE AND CONTROL

Lennox SunSource
Solar-Powered System

There are a lot of tantalizing possibilities in solar-powered heat
pump technology becoming a primary heating and cooling
method. Lennox is jumping on this concept, offering a turnkey
system that takes some of the guesswork out of early adoption.
The SunSource Solar-Powered System relies on roof-
mounted solar modules to harness sustainable solar energy to
run heating and cooling as needed. Other times, the energy
goes to other devices, such as lighting and appliances.
The system is best designed for use with a high-efficiency air
conditioner or heat pump from the Dave Lennox Signature
Collection. SunSource units come solar-ready, which means an
owner can add solar modules to create a solar energy system as
soon as they want one. Owners can start with as few as two
modules, then gradually work up to as many as 15 per unit as
needs change. Being a grid-tied photovoltaic system, SunSource still needs
That decision could be a bit easier thanks to an included utility-provided electricity whenever the unit is not functioning,
communications module, which enables homeowners to such as at night. That said, if SunSource generates more
monitor energy production and environmental benefits online in electricity than is needed—and if the owner lives in a locale with
real time. The module tracks current power status and energy net metering and where utilities buy excess power—there could
level, along with totals for the month and year to date. be a financial bonus with this system.

SMA Smart Home

Sometimes, it takes multiple items to form an energy-efficient The Sunny Boy battery inverter acts as the interface between
product. SMA’s Smart Home combines the Sunny Boy Storage the PV inverter and the high voltage battery. An AC-coupled
battery inverter, a Sunny Boy PV inverter and a high-voltage design allows it to be installed or expanded in any location, at
battery to create a structure that becomes net zero. any time, whether a PV system is in place. The Sunny Boy PV
Each component works together for easy installation, flexible inverter works in total alignment with the system to ensure
design and operation, and long-term reliability to simplify home effective operation of the intelligent home.
energy management. A Smart Home can operate while SMA’s Sunny Portal allows for easy monitoring and
connected to the grid and off-grid. management of the entire Smart Home system—from
When integrated with household appliances, the SMA Smart anywhere. The Sunny Portal offers central management of PV
Home can automatically activate various electrical appliances at system data and quick diagnosis of potential issues, ultimately
ideal points in the day or evening to use inexpensive solar saving the homeowner money.
power, instead of using electricity at peak times.

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