On Top of the World Nears Completion of its First Solar Model

On Top of the World Communities is nearing completion of its first solar model, the Huntley II. Below is an interview with the Construction staff and Sales staff at On Top of the World regarding this solar project.

Q. Why did you choose to add a Solar Electric System to one of your model homes?
On Top of the World Communities is committed to building the highest quality homes with reduced energy use. While our homes currently surpass the strict standards set forth by ENERGY STAR™, our goal is to increase the energy savings even more. By using a renewable energy source to power this home, the sun, the energy savings are greatly increased while the impact on the environment is significantly decreased. Showcasing the solar electric system on this home is a great choice because it reflects the energy and cost savings that can be realized for a resident of On Top of the World who chooses to take the next step to save energy.

Q. What does having Solar mean for a prospective homeowner?
Using the Huntley II model as an example, a 5,060 watt solar panel system when combined with all of the other standard energy saving features on the home, should produce between 70% and 100% of this home’s electric needs. The benefit to a homeowner, with normal electric usage, is the potential to have NO ELECTRIC BILL !!!

Q. What aspects of the Huntley II design makes it especially desirable to consumers?
The Huntley II is our traditional "Wow!" home. It always has been. It seems to be the ideal square footage with many notable features: the large Grand Room, the wall oven being a standard, that great closet in the Master Bath, the great use of the "split plan," the Roman-style walk-in shower always being a stand out, and the beautiful stone finish on the front of the home when elevation ‘C’ is chosen. 

Q. What standard features in the Huntley II support environmental stewardship?
Many of the standard features support environmental stewardship:

• R-30 Batt/Blown Attic Insulation reduces heat transfer through the roof of the home. (Minimum required is R-19).
• Rigid Foam Board Wall Insulation with proper taping technique provides a continuous barrier around the inside of the home which serves as a seal against air and moisture transfer.
• Electrical Boxes Mounted to Furring Strips creates fewer penetrations in the block wall, providing a better seal in the building envelope.
• Low-E Windows reduce condensation, reduce heat gain/loss and block 90%+ of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet light, protecting the interior of the home.
• Reflective Radiant Barrier helps keep heat out of the attic.
• Sealed, Insulated and Right-Sized Ducts in the Ventilation System prevent air leakage, reduce energy loss, and provide efficient distribution of conditioned air throughout the home. (NOT ALL builders adhere to the correct duct-sizing calculations as provided by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J and Manual D.)
• Multi-position Variable Speed Fan Motor in Air Handler saves energy as fan speed is determined by the temperature demand rather than running at a constant speed.
• Programmable Thermostat
• 13 SEER (or higher) HVAC System
• IC-rated Sealed Recessed Can Lights with CFL Bulbs minimizes leakage of air from attic into conditioned space and provides energy savings.
• ENERGY STAR™-rated Dishwasher
• WaterSense-certified Delta® Faucets and Shower Heads, as well as low consumption, high efficiency commodes, reduce water usage.
• Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets made from renewable resources and KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program Certified.
• Ceramic Tile Flooring provides energy savings.
• Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Paint emits fewer contaminates into the air.
• WaterWise Yards using drought tolerant plants and drip-irrigation systems conserve water.
  

Q. How does the Huntley II differ from your other home designs in sustainable features?
These sustainable features are standard in all of our new homes.

Q. What energy-saving options are showcased in the Huntley II model?
In addition to the energy-saving standard features, the Design Studio offers a choice of options that can enhance the sustainable features of the home. The options included in the Huntley II are:

• 10” solar tubes in the Kitchen and Master Bath
• 22.1 cubic foot ENERGY STAR™-rated refrigerator with ice maker and bottom freezer
• Cambria countertops in the Kitchen and Master Bath
• Level 2 carpet made from recycled products in Bedrooms 2 and 3
• Wood laminate flooring in the Dining Room, Foyer, Grand Room, Hallways, Kitchen, Extended Living Area and Master Suite
• And, of course, the solar electric system.

Q. How did On Top of the World arrive at this place of offering such a green product to consumers?
Many years ago, the president of On Top of the World had the foresight to acknowledge that future demands for energy would increase substantially and as such, energy conservation would become a large part of our lives. In an effort to explore methods of maintaining economic growth while supporting a healthy planet, energy-saving building products and techniques were implemented into the design and construction of our homes. We were “ENERGY STAR™“-minded before there was ENERGY STAR™. We have been building, and will always continue to build, to a higher standard than the minimum government regulations. Energy conservation, for us, is not about what is fashionable or mandated, it is about being environmentally responsible.

Q. Who did you partner with for this solar project and why?
We chose to partner with Energy Conservation Services of North Central Florida, Inc. on this project because of their longtime commitment to promoting renewable solar energy as an alternative energy source, the quality of their product and their outstanding customer service.

After looking at several Solar providers for the project, ECS clearly came out on the top of the list. ECS has been in the business of installing solar here in Florida since 1977. The founder of ECS was inducted into the International Solar Hall of Fame in 2006. This is quite a distinction since, as of 2006, there have only been 45 men and women from various countries around the world to be awarded this honor since it began in 1976.