Energy use, MCNZH, April 2011. Negative numbers represent export of electricity.
Our Net Zero Energy Year finally turned around in April. We stopped heating the house pretty much as of March 31, and it’s been generally sunny ever since.
Here are the numbers for Oct 18, 2010 – April 30, 2011 (all units in kWh of electricity):
Consumption: 7643
Production: 2785
Net Consumption: –4858
We’re in the hole overall, but April was a net positive month. We exported 550 kWh to the grid!
Yay for April! Did you get the additional TED5000 that I said I'd help with?
We never did Shafraaz. Hey, I want to come and see your place soon. That's the problem with being on the eco-solar home tour - you never get to see anyone else's place!
Conrad: I am VERY impressed with your house and blog. I am an old Edmonton guy. Lived in a 1946 house at 10726-58 Ave for 20 odd years. No insulation at all in ceiling for about 15 years! Terrible cold. The house would bang and creak at -40C as the water in the studs froze! The 'good old days'. No, thanks!
I now live in South Africa, 35*S and its just the opposite here. Gets to +42C in January! Like being in an oven. Big problem is cooling here. Brick houses and no insulation at all. You still cook and then freeze in winter. But lots of sun for 350 days. Very little solar really. Such huge potential. I am designing a small house for my family. Stage one is 18.5m2. Yes, tiny. Stage two is about 50m2. Main need is loads of mass and roof insulation as you say. I know Peter from SESCI 30 years ago. Great guy. Say hi. The wood stove is so much better for that last 10% and looks and feels great. The key is really dry wood. Regards, Baron Fowler, Montagu, South Africa
Thanks Baron! Great to hear from you. Your project (and location) sounds fascinating.
I'll pass on your regards to Peter.
Conrad
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