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| Energy Producing Home by Neumann Developments  Neumann Developments Inc. is changing the way American homes are built by constructing an economically viable mainstream home that will produce more energy than it consumes - allowing for a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on foreign oil. Through the combination of several readily available technologies, which include a solar photovoltaic system (PV), geothermal heating and cooling system and solar domestic hot water, this home has the ability to produce 100 percent of the energy needed to heat and cool the home, run all the appliances and power the occupant's electric vehicle to and from work. The name of the home is the Energy Producing Home by Neumann Developments (EP Home)."We have to change the way we build homes today," said Mark Neumann, co-owner of Neumann Developments, Inc. "Energy costs have fluctuated drastically in the last year, buildings are the top contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on foreign oil has increased by 50 percent since 1970. Our goal is to lead by example, the EP Home demonstrates what is available to every American right now - the ability to control their energy costs, whether its natural gas, electrical rates or gasoline, in an environmentally responsible manner." According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings in the U.S. produce 48 percent of greenhouse gases, while transportation produces 27 percent and manufacturing 25 percent. Greenhouse gases are generated by the combustion of fossil fuels in energy use and have been linked to global warming by increasing the average surface temperature of the earth. The EP Home will utilize a solar photovoltaic system to satisfy all the electric demands of the home and charge the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The projected electrical use of the home is approximately 17,168 kWh per year; this figure includes a daily commute to the new Aurora Medical Center in Oconomowoc. The PV system is anticipated to produce approximately 19,324 kWh per year, with the surplus being sold back to the local utility company. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |