Page 22 - Green Builder April 2017 Issue

HEATING, COOLING AND WATER HEATING

FAFCO CoolPV Solar Energy System

Homeowners with solar energy systems and
swimming pools often face a tough choice
during non-winter months: Cool off the home
or heat the pool? The typical rooftop
photovoltaic system can’t do both. FAFCO
Inc.’s CoolPV solar energy product can pull off
both feats with power to spare.
The traditional PV panel becomes less-
efficient as the day gets hotter. CoolPV uses a
water line from the swimming pool to keep the
panel’s temperature down, which can make the
unit up to four times more effective in
generating energy. Meanwhile, the water used
for cooling is warmed by the panel, and goes
back to the pool. The actual cost of heating the
pool becomes minimal.
In addition to cutting a household energy bill
by up to 50 percent, CoolPV can add to the
home’s resale value. It has a streamlined, low-
profile design, so it’s not an eyesore. The
product also qualifies for various state and federal tax credits, and excess power generated can be sold back to utilities. An owner could
recoup installation costs within a few years. And, the home swimming season might even be a few weeks longer.

Embue Sensor

The Embue Sensor replaces the home thermostat and can
adjust household temperature according to weather,
humidity, occupancy and energy use patterns. This can cut a
monthly bill by up to 25 percent, by not supplying energy
where, or when, it’s not needed.
With a smart device or computer, users access the Embue
temperature control system—there’s also a module and a
central core unit—and can manually change settings, or
simply monitor what’s happening inside the home. The
picture can be pretty complete: The lithium battery-powered
sensor’s low price tag and tiny size—it’s about 2 inches by 3
inches and clocks in at 1 ounce—make it easy to put one in
every room. The device is also ideal for landlords who want to
monitor tenants’ energy use in apartments and areas such as
laundry rooms.
The sensor offers health benefits. In addition to keeping the
internal environment appropriate for occupants, it can prevent
accumulation of excess moisture. Embue is an HVAC
physician as well: If the system detects a change in the
equipment’s performance, it alerts the homeowners and their
preferred HVAC service provider. This could prevent costlier
repairs down the road.

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