Positive News US is a free, not for profit newspaper published four times a year in Ithaca, NY. We report on successful projects around the world in the areas of sustainability, social equality, education and happiness, with a clear message that "another world is possible."
more...
| a part of Positive News International |
Solar Living: "Go For It" |
Photo © Denise Cermanski
With these words, longtime Ithaca resident Rose Mandl gives strong encouragement to anyone contemplating a move into the world of solar living. On a recent cold, sunny day when the outside temperature was 27 degrees at noontime, Rose and her son Rick along with her two grandsons basked in the 80 degree warmth of her living room, the heat coming solely from the sun radiating through the plentiful array of south-facing windows on the walls of her two-story home.
"I like the light," Rose states simply when describing how the low winter sun fills up the house on sunny days, and in addition to heating, eliminates the need for artificial lighting. The Mandl house, built in 1978 on a south facing hillside on the southern fringe of Ithaca, is a blend of "passive" and "active" solar technologies. "Passive" solar energy simply means the absence of any mechanical moving parts such as pumps or fans. The sun's rays directly enter the house and are stored in the floor, walls, furniture etc. of the house. South facing windows are an example of passive solar. "Active" solar energy means that the sun's energy is collected at one location, usually solar collectors on the roof, and transported to another location for usage or for storage for later distribution. The Mandl house has two active systems: an air system and a hot water system.
The hot air system, installed by her late husband Dick along with son Rick, features six 4'x16' collectors which circulate air between the house and a 36 ton rock storage bed in the basement. By an interesting yet simple network of ductwork and automatic dampers, solar heated air can be brought directly into the house or stored in the rocks for night-time use if the house thermostat is not calling for heat. On this recent cold sunny day, the air leaving the collectors was registering 140 degrees on the control panel in the basement and since the house was already 80 degrees, this solar heated air was directed to the rock storage. Interestingly, the system can also be used for cooling in summer by circulating the air at night.
When there is not enough sun, back up heating is done by a highly efficient and decorative fireplace in the center of the living room, designed by son Rick, presently an energy engineer at Thomas Associates in Ithaca. A propane stove can also be called in.
The solar hot water system is the other "active" system. A non-toxic anti-freeze is circulated through two 4'x10' collectors and through a coil in the bottom of the 80 gallon storage tank, transferring the heat from the collectors to the water in the tank. This provides most of the hot water usage of the house, while the remainder is done by an electric element in the top of the tank.
The Mandl house, thoroughly enjoyed by its occupants as a connection to a more harmonious way of living is a reminder of a different era. It was built while Jimmy Carter was president. He had just installed a large solar hot water system on top of the White House. The federal government was giving a 40% tax credit for investment in solar energy and solar businesses which were springing up everywhere. Now, solar receives virtually no federal assistance while struggling to compete against the massive subsidies bailed out to the oil, coal and nuclear industries. Quite a reversal of priorities. As Rick Mandl aptly said, "We don't need subsidies, but just take them away from them !" On a positive note, while there isn't any federal help, there are programs available through the utilities companies to help consumers purchase solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Tel: (518) 862-1090
E-mail: info@nyserda.org
"I like the light," Rose states simply when describing how the low winter sun fills up the house on sunny days, and in addition to heating, eliminates the need for artificial lighting. The Mandl house, built in 1978 on a south facing hillside on the southern fringe of Ithaca, is a blend of "passive" and "active" solar technologies. "Passive" solar energy simply means the absence of any mechanical moving parts such as pumps or fans. The sun's rays directly enter the house and are stored in the floor, walls, furniture etc. of the house. South facing windows are an example of passive solar. "Active" solar energy means that the sun's energy is collected at one location, usually solar collectors on the roof, and transported to another location for usage or for storage for later distribution. The Mandl house has two active systems: an air system and a hot water system.
The hot air system, installed by her late husband Dick along with son Rick, features six 4'x16' collectors which circulate air between the house and a 36 ton rock storage bed in the basement. By an interesting yet simple network of ductwork and automatic dampers, solar heated air can be brought directly into the house or stored in the rocks for night-time use if the house thermostat is not calling for heat. On this recent cold sunny day, the air leaving the collectors was registering 140 degrees on the control panel in the basement and since the house was already 80 degrees, this solar heated air was directed to the rock storage. Interestingly, the system can also be used for cooling in summer by circulating the air at night.
When there is not enough sun, back up heating is done by a highly efficient and decorative fireplace in the center of the living room, designed by son Rick, presently an energy engineer at Thomas Associates in Ithaca. A propane stove can also be called in.
The solar hot water system is the other "active" system. A non-toxic anti-freeze is circulated through two 4'x10' collectors and through a coil in the bottom of the 80 gallon storage tank, transferring the heat from the collectors to the water in the tank. This provides most of the hot water usage of the house, while the remainder is done by an electric element in the top of the tank.
The Mandl house, thoroughly enjoyed by its occupants as a connection to a more harmonious way of living is a reminder of a different era. It was built while Jimmy Carter was president. He had just installed a large solar hot water system on top of the White House. The federal government was giving a 40% tax credit for investment in solar energy and solar businesses which were springing up everywhere. Now, solar receives virtually no federal assistance while struggling to compete against the massive subsidies bailed out to the oil, coal and nuclear industries. Quite a reversal of priorities. As Rick Mandl aptly said, "We don't need subsidies, but just take them away from them !" On a positive note, while there isn't any federal help, there are programs available through the utilities companies to help consumers purchase solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Tel: (518) 862-1090
E-mail: info@nyserda.org
Announcements
What do You find hopeful in the world today? Please contribute a short paragraph and be published in Positive News. We are currently selecting...
more >
The California Edition of Positive News is well on the way! We are looking for volunteers to help make it happen. To join our team contact...
more >
