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Lack of Rebates Won’t Stop Our Growth

By tony on May 4, 2012

Earlier this week, several solar companies and organizations made presentations to the City Council of San Antonio expressing their concern about “under-funded rebates that aren’t keeping up with the industry’s growth” which was reported in yesterday’s Express News.

Some have said that “they’ve had to lay off employees and even close down their businesses because they don’t have confidence that future rebates will be available…” Solar Texas was not part of that effort.

At Solar Texas, we have never relied upon rebates for our business success. We commenced operations before rebates were implemented and we will be in operation after rebates cease. Rebates are nice to have from a business sense, but by their very nature, they are short term incentives to influence the market. Rebates are a reallocation of funds.

The money funding local rebates for solar comes from the San Antonio population. People who cannot afford solar are paying a proportion of their CPS Energy bill toward other people who can. Any company that relies solely upon rebates for its business success will have its business fortunes linked to the demise of those rebates as well.

The aim of the CPS Energy rebates was to provide a leg up for the local renewable energy market to delay or defer the investment by CPS Energy in new power generation sources. “It was never our intent for rebates to be the foundation for the entire market,” according to a quote attributed by the SA Express-News to Lisa Lewis for CPS Energy.

At Solar Texas, we look forward to the leveling of the market and the removal of artificial advantages to one portion of the market over another. Our future is linked to the future of San Antonio and the surrounding areas. We do not regard rebates as a substitute for conscientious work, good business ethics and a commitment to the local community.

We knew the rebates had to come to an end and we made sure that Solar Texas wasn’t beholden to their continuation for our business success. We do not employ many people, but we will not be lessening our business commitment to South and Central Texas. We made no presentation to argue for rebates in front of City Council. Likewise, we didn’t make any investment that tied us with the continuation of the CPS Energy rebates.

Whatever CPS Energy and the City Council decides, Solar Texas will be serving the San Antonio area and surrounding regions for many years to come.

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How To Fix a Leaking Skylight

By tony on April 30, 2012

Do you have a skylight that is leaking?

There are a multitude of different designs and materials used in skylights. The most common by far around San Antonio is the acrylic dome skylight on an aluminum base. When these leak, typically, the homeowner notices some drips on the floor or furnishings beneath the skylight during and after rain showers. This progresses to staining and bubbling paint on the drywall directly below the skylight. The damage is usually apparent on the down slope side of the skylight. Often, the leak inside the home is accompanied by leaking behind the drywall and into the attic. If caught early, it’s usually a straight fix on the skylight. If let go, the damage can be expensive to repair and can involve replacing rafters, roof trusses, drywall and insulation.

Typically, the do-it-yourself homeowner, believing the leak to be originating from around the acrylic dome, will climb on the roof with a tube of exterior caulk and seal around the acrylic dome where the retaining frame locks the acrylic dome to the base. However, often the problem is not at the dome. The problem more often than not lies beneath the shingles where the base of the skylight sits on the roof decking.

Applying caulk around the edge of the acrylic dome does nothing to fix the leak.

A combination of old shingles and old mastic or caulk used to seat the skylight on installation (or re-installation after shingle replacement) provides avenues for the water to enter the home. Often during rain, the water running down the roof will dam slightly on the upslope side of the skylight. From here, a small proportion of the water will seep in under the shingles and find a route under the mastic. Once it gets between the skylight base and the decking, the water finds its way down the roof slope via the sides of the skylight and then makes its appearance on the down slope side.

Fixing the leak requires removal of the skylight. The skylight can be reused and reseated, but usually the acrylic is old and brittle and the better option is to simply take measurements in advance and have a new, replacement skylight ready to replace the old skylight when it is removed.

Acrylic dome skylights are quick and cheap to manufacture and simple to install. They are typically comprised of an aluminum base, two acrylic domes and a retaining ring that holds the domes in place over the base. The base has an integral gutter that both supports the edges of the domes and sheds water on the inside of the domes out onto the roof. On installation, mastic or caulk is applied to the base flange and then the base is nailed or screwed into place. More mastic is applied on the upper surface of the base flange and shingles are sealed down over the base flange. Leak protection is afforded by the mastic only.

Velux skylights are more expensive, but the leak protection, insulation qualities, light transmittance, strength, expected longevity and quality are vastly superior.

If you don’t want to fix it yourself, call us at Solar Texas. We’ll be glad to fix it for you.

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Solar Texas and Velux Sun Tunnels featured in Parade of Homes

By tony on September 7, 2011

This year’s Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) Parade of Homes tour is on!  This event is great for seeing design and building trends as well as new appliances and equipment as they come onto the market.

This year, Solar Texas and Velux Sun Tunnels are featured in the Sitterle Homes show home.  Seven Velux Sun Tunnels are on display, some of the 10” models, others are the 14” style.  The 10” Sun Tunnel will light an area of up to 200 square feet; the 14” Sun Tunnel throws natural light into a 300 square foot space.

All without adding to your electric bill.

While the Parade of Homes is meant to show the biggest, the best and certainly, the most luxurious, we like to dwell on the point that you can change the look of a room for under $1000 with a Velux Sun Tunnel.  It’s the fastest and most effective way to add a punch to your kitchen or bath.

So check out the show this weekend. Information on hours and directions are here: Parade of Homes 2011.

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The Basics of Skylights

By tony on July 5, 2011

Velux Skylight Installation From Our Friends at VELUX AMERICA:

Rooms filled with natural light and fresh air are more beautiful, spacious and uplifting to our spirits.

“With added natural light and ventilation from skylights, homeowners have attractive and effective tools to balance the light and improve ventilation in their homes,” says Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America.

Patrick offers tips on the product categories available, how to choose the right product, installation information and tips on energy efficiency.

Product Selection

•  Skylights are used for overhead, out-of-reach applications or with in-reach applications where egress is not required.  Available models include electric  or manual venting, fixed with or without ventilation flap, and fixed for replacing faded plastic bubbles with clear, energy-efficient glass.  There are also models specially designed to meet code for safe use in hurricane-prone areas as well as models with electrochromic glass that can be lightened or darkened by remote control and that don’t restrict the view to the sky.

•  Roof windows are for in-reach applications offering egress as in finished attics.

•  VELUX SUN TUNNEL™ skylights are useful when a view to the outside is not needed as with closets, laundry rooms, pantries, hallways and second baths.

How to Choose

•  A complete selection of models, styles and sizes of the categories described are available.  Just consider your ceiling style and roof pitch and whether your home is constructed with trusses or rafters.

Accessories

•  A complete selection is available to control the light including translucent or light block shades, Venetian blinds and exterior heat block awnings.  Accessories, as well as electric skylights, can be operated by remote control.

Glazing

•  Energy-efficient tempered safety glass resists condensation, protects against fading and won’t discolor, leak, or allow drafts.  Models with electrochromic glass that darkens by remote control to reduce light and solar gain without restricting the view to the sky are also available.

Installation

•  Certified, local independent installers may be located by contacting your local Home Builders Association or through the product manufacturer.

Energy Efficiency

• Save money on utility bills by selecting quality products meeting Energy Star® approval guidelines and rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Solar Texas is a 5 Star Skylight Specialist and can assist you with your next VELUX quote.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

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Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

By fran on April 4, 2010

You’ve heard it all year long….go green! What does it mean for today’s homeowner? How do you separate out the dazzle from the duds? With dozens of products and services making promises about delivering savings, how do you make informed choices? Finesilver Ranch homeowner and energy expert Tony Stephenson will share his experience and knowledge in this one hour discussion to assist you in answering your questions about energy efficiency for your Finesilver Ranch home.
Join your neighbors on Monday, Sept. 8, 7:00 p.m. at the FSR Clubhouse. No RSVP necessary.

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7 Ways to Start Saving Energy at Home

By tony on April 27, 2010

A clothesline with shirts on it

Clotheslines can help save household energy

To reduce energy use around the Texas home, here are seven simple suggestions:

  1. Improve shade. The home heats rapidly under the Texas sun. Shade trees reduce the heat buildup in the home. Shading the external air conditioning components is also recommended.
  2. Improve the energy retention envelope around the home through better door seals, windows (double pane, etc.), insulating behind the outlets on external walls
  3. Change luminescent light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) Don’t know the difference? Read about it here.
  4. Consider an outdoor clothesline to take advantage of the sun and reserve the electric or gas clothes dryer for rainy days.
  5. Look at practices that prevent or delay heat buildup in the roof and attic. These include improved insulation, good quality solar attic ventilation fans and energy efficient roofing materials. This has the effect of reducing the load inside the home and on the air conditioner.
  6. Turn off non-essential items. If lights aren’t being used, turn them off. Many electrical appliances use a trickle of power even when they are switched off. Consider using power strips so that power to unnecessary devices can be turned off and back on with a single switch.
  7. Consider solar water heating.

G’day!

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The Path to Saving Energy: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

By tony on April 27, 2010


Are you trying to reduce your energy footprint? The path to energy efficiency, like a company’s quest for quality, is continuous. Many people looking for energy efficiency want to take an immediate big bite out of their energy bill. This is not necessarily the best approach. For some, it works well, but for most, it represents a huge investment. There is no need to sell your house and start over. Generally, it works out to be far less expensive to implement energy saving practices to an existing house, rather than buy a new one – especially in this economy. Take a little time to learn about what’s out there. Start with small changes and progress to bigger products as you see your energy need declining, and as you replace aging equipment in your home.

There are two ways to reducing reliance on traditional energy sources for the average homeowner. You  can reduce energy use and you can replace traditionally fueled energy sources. A good point to remember is that it costs less to save energy than it costs to buy energy. Look to reduce energy use first and replace energy second.  Save a kilowatt hour (kWh) before you have to buy a kWh. A good, balanced strategy is to use both methods with the emphasis on reducing energy at first, with the emphasis shifting to replacing energy as time goes on.

One modification I recommend is adding a solar water heater. Disclaimer:  I sell and service several brands of solar water heaters. Without any other modifications to the home, replacing an electric water heater or an older gas water heater with a solar water heater can reap significant savings from the first day of use.  Although a considerable upfront investment, solar water heaters are one of the most effective measures Texas homeowners can do to reduce energy costs. A good solar water heater will last significantly longer than traditional electric or gas water heater with minimal maintenance.

What things are you trying to reduce your family’s energy use?

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How to Choose the Right Skylight for the Job—Part One: Sun Tunnels

By tony on May 19, 2010

Velux Sun Tunnel in a Bathroom

Velux Sun Tunnel Lights up a Bathroom

Modern homes have become more expansive over recent generations of homeowners. Single story homes in particular, have expanded outwards resulting in larger dark areas in the center of the home. Even in the middle of the day, some homeowners have to turn on electric lighting to augment the limited light coming through windows. For many, natural light is so much more appealing if it can be achieved.

Velux manufactures a wide variety of skylights and Sun Tunnels to offer a range of solutions. Potential customers are often a little confused by the number of options they are presented with when choosing a method of bringing natural light into a dark room. What works best for a given situation?

Velux Sun Tunnels are an economical choice for dark spaces. Rigid Sun Tunnels (TMR/TGR/TSR models) are preferred to flexible tunnel systems (TMF/TGF models) for most installations. The rigid tunnel is better at reflecting light and can be used to a recommended maximum tunnel length of 20ft. The flexible tunnel is mostly for situations where the rigid tunnel won’t fit or for very short runs. Installations in San Antonio and surrounding areas seem to average about 8 to 9 ft of tunnel length.

The 10 inch Sun Tunnel brings natural light to an area of about 200 sq. ft. The 14 inch Sun Tunnel lights an area up to roughly 390 sq. ft. in area.  This means one 10 inch Sun Tunnel is ideal for lighting:

  • small bathrooms
  • small entry foyers
  • mud rooms or
  • closets.

A 14 inch Sun Tunnel is ideal for:

  • walk-in closets
  • laundry rooms
  • larger bathrooms
  • office spaces and
  • game room.

Several Sun Tunnels are perfect for hallways, kitchens and dining areas.

Installation generally takes a few hours, depending upon the length and complexity of the tunnel. Costs range from a little over $400 for a 10 inch Sun Tunnel to a little over $500 for a 14 inch Sun Tunnel with 4 ft of tunnel and roughly $25-30/ft of tunnel in excess of 4 ft. And the nice part! Velux Sun Tunnels qualify for the federal government’s 30% tax credit

Next week: How to Choose the Right Skylight for the Job—Part Two:  Skylights

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Choose the Right Skylight for the Job–Part 2

By tony on May 26, 2010


Sun Tunnels are a great economic choice for bringing natural light into a room, but they’re not appropriate in all rooms for all people.  Velux provides the ultimate in natural light control with its skylight and roof window range paired with a wide variety of shades and blinds. When the home or business owner wants that “WOW” factor, nothing beats the jaw-dropping architectural impact and mood-enhancing flexibility of Velux skylights.  Velux skylights add natural light and make the room appear more three dimensional. Manual and powered shades and blinds add another level of control. More information can be found on the Velux site.

Velux skylights are made to fit almost any application: from the smallest bathroom to multiple “Combi” units on large commercial structures. They’re made narrow enough to fit between rafters and wide enough to span multiple rafters. The FCM model in many cases, can be retrofitted to the base of existing domed acrylic skylight installations, thereby substituting the longer lasting glass and associated energy efficiencies for the less efficient and shorter lasting acrylic skylights.

Velux skylights can be fitted to almost any roof. Skylights can be fixed, opened manually with a rod from the inside, or electrically operated by remote control. The electric opening skylights have rain sensors. Even if the homeowner has gone to the store and forgotten about the open skylight, a drop of rain on the rain sensor will automatically trigger the skylight to close. Blinds and shades can also be operated with the same remote control.

Velux also manufactures solar blinds. The operating unit is run by a battery pack recharged from a small solar photovoltaic panel positioned on the top of the unit. Mains electrical power is not required. These units are commonly fitted to fixed skylights.

In choosing a skylight or multiple skylights, measure the surface area of the room to be lit. Multiply the room’s surface area by between 5% and 10% for the amount of skylight area needed. Choose 5% if the room is already moderately well lit by windows. Choose 10% for dark rooms. Measure the distance between rafters and choose the appropriately sized skylight configuration from the wide selection at Velux.  Or contact Solar Texas and our Velux –certified professionals will visit with you and discuss the wide range of choices and styles available.

G’day!

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Solar Water Heaters are Performance Giants!

By tony on July 28, 2010

Solahart Water Heater Installation

Solahart Water Heater Roof Installation

It’s a simple concept. Instead of relying on an electric element or a gas flame to heat your household water all the time, a solar water heater has the sun do the work of heating the water and only supplements with electricity or gas when needed. People are surprised by how effective the sun can be for heating water. In Texas, about 85% of a home’s hot water needs can be derived from the sun.

Here’s how it works: in a closed loop system, heat exchange fluid is exposed to the sun via a black absorber. The heat exchange fluid then transfers its heat to the stored potable water. In most homes, 80 gallons of storage is sufficient. It’s very simple, but very effective.

Almost everyone is interested in payback on investing in solar water systems, and that, of course, varies with the type of household you have.  The first system I installed five years ago was on my own roof. Immediately after we installed it, we started saving 25% on our monthly electric bill.  In the next two years, it will have paid for itself.

A good solar water heater lasts longer than its traditionally fuelled counterparts. Hard water deposits are significantly lessened with solar heating, and a little routine maintenance about every 5 years cleans out those deposits, replaces seals and heat exchange fluid and has the system running as good as new again.

When I started this business, the only product I carried was Solahart, a company which has been manufacturing solar water heaters for over 50 years and has products in over 70 countries around the world. They have a sound reputation built on quality and value. Now there are more choices and more products.  But solar water heaters remain, in my mind, the performance giants of this industry.

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Tax Credits and Local Financing Help Homeowners Adopt Solar Water Heating

By tony on October 27, 2010

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:  solar water heating has the best payback for homeowners looking to adopt solar technology into an existing home.  When you install a solar water heater, you will instantly start saving up to 25% off your electric bill.  Every family has a different water use profile;  in our household of 3, our monthly electric bill went down by 25% and has stayed down by 25% for the 5 years we’ve had our solar water heater.

Still, it’s an investment for the average homeowner, as a solar water heating system runs $6,000- $7,500 (installed).  There’s no better time to take advantage of current tax credits, rebates and financing.  Here are some options:

  • The Department of Energy offers a 30% tax credit for solar water heaters installed between now and 2016;
  • CPS Energy offers rebates in its service area that are calculated on the savings derived from the system, provided the homeowner is going from electric to solar.  Homeowners can get up to $2000 back on this offer
  • SACU is partnering with Solar San Antonio to offer a new type of loan to assist homeowners to adopt solar.  Read about it on the SACU web site.

Savvy homeowners who are ready to adopt renewable energy, can realize huge savings by taking advantage of these local and national offers. Once you’ve shopped the offers, then start looking at the type of solar water heater that’s right for your home.

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Velux Sun Tunnel Installation at the Mi Casa Makeover House

By tony on December 1, 2010


We just installed a 14 inch Velux Sun Tunnel on the KENS-5 Mi Casa Makeover Home in San Antonio last week. This house will be featured on KENS 5 Great Day SA in the near future.

The room we chose was a closet off the master bathroom at the rear of the home. Considerable time was spent in the attic and on the roof of the home determining the best location for the Sun Tunnel. The best location was near an existing electric light, but on subsequent evaluation, internal construction mandated that the position be altered slightly for an intersecting gable and associated joists and rafters. It can take some time to find the optimum position of the Sun Tunnel in the ceiling, melding it with existing construction framing, AC ductwork and electrical lines in the attic, and with the optimum position of the base flashing on the roof. This is one step that can’t be rushed. Sometimes it’s easy and straightforward.   Other times, it’s not.

Here’s the process:

1. The position of the rafters confirmed; shingles were removed and access cut into the attic. The flashing was caulked, secured into position, overlaid with roofing felt and shingles were cut to fit around the flashing and reinstalled.

2. From within the attic, the location of the ceiling penetration was marked and any insulation moved to the side. Then from within the closet, an opening was cut into the ceiling.

3. The ceiling ring was installed in the closet.

4. The flexible, reflective tunnel was fitted from the roof down into the closet.

5. The Sun Tunnel dome was secured in position and everything was complete on the roof.

6. From within the closet, excess flexible tunnel was cut to length. The loose end was secured and the diffuser and trim ring were fitted.

7. Before and after photos of the Sun Tunnel installation.

This was the 2nd time Solar Texas has installed a Velux Sun Tunnel in a Mi Casa makeover home.  We are thrilled to contribute to this homeowner’s new energy savings. What a difference a tunnel makes! Enjoy the slide show above which shows the steps we took to install this Sun Tunnel.  Or see the details on our Flickr site.

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Calculate Potential Savings with Solar Water Heaters

By tony on March 10, 2011

Velux America is one of my favorite suppliers.  They have just added a new tool which helps homeowners calculate the cost savings from Solar Water Heaters.  It’s simple and it’s free.

Try the Velux Solar Water Savings Calculator.  You might be surprised at your results.

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Learn How Solar Water Heaters Work

By tony on September 23, 2011

Ever wondered how solar water systems work? Why they are designed and installed in certain ways? Want to know the difference between passive and active systems and what they actually look like when installed?

Then join me at Solar Hot Water Design & Installation, a course I will be teaching at Palo Alto College as part of its Green Initiatives Education.  The course runs for 8 weeks, every Monday and Wednesday, from Oct. 3 through Nov. 7, from 6-9 p.m.

We will combine classroom learning and hands-on laboratory exercises to explore how the different parts of systems work together.  If you’re a plumber, home builder, architect or engineer, you might really enjoy this course.

For details and to sign up for Solar Hot Water Design and Installation, visit Palo Alto College’s information and registration page.

 

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