Solar Homes LLC 

Example #1:  Two-story traditional, 1,500 sq. ft. home. 

Thermal Envelope* Estimated Material Cost: $35,000

Energy Performance:  Uses 75% Less Energy than standard construction.

At first glance, these designs appear relatively simple, even ordinary.  There is nothing ordinary about the energy-use performance, and overall quality of life for owners of these homes.  

Key design concepts and benefits:

• ROI analysis for selection of the thermal envelope*: metal roof, SIP walls, ICF foundation, triple-pane low-e windows, plus exterior doors and foundation floor
• modularized design elements to simplify and lower cost of building construction
• passive solar optimization
• super-insulation using structurally-insulated panels (SIP's) and insulated concrete forms (ICF's)
• extremely minimized HVAC requirements
• reduced maintenance costs
• long-term building viability
• healthy air quality and living environment
• outside noise dramtically reduced