Litwins House

2413 Camden Court
Plano, TX 75075

Tour Hours: 10am - 4pm

map

Near Net Zero (electric) Energy Home, HERS rating of 49

Originally, energy saving improvements were done to reduce escalating costs, but the overall benefits extend far beyond just cost reduction.

Since tracking was started in 2004, overall (electric and natural gas) energy consumption was reduced approximately 60%, GHG emissions reduced by nearly 70%, and annual water consumption has been reduced by 50%.

 

Renewable energy features

Solar PV

kW 4.7
Installation Date: September 2009, March 2014
Installer: Axium Solar  http://www.axiumsolar.com/

Equipment

Ten 225 W REC solar modules with Enphase M190 inverters, ten 245 W Talesun modules with Enphase M215 inverters

Retail Electric Provider

Green Mountain Energy http://www.greenmountain.com/

Energy Monitoring:

Public monitoring website: https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/75US1401
Home Energy Consumption Equipment: Rainforest automation EAGLE ZigBee Gateway
All generation, import/export, consumption and net data aggregated into PVOutput: http://pvoutput.org/intraday.jsp?id=15149&sid=27935

 

Green features

  • Radiant barrier roof sheeting, 24” (R68+) attic insulation, attic entry tent, total perimeter soffit ventilation and maximized ridge venting.
  • Energy Star appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes washer)
  • Energy Star rated insulated/sealed entry doors.
  • Low-E argon gas double pane windows.
  • LED lighting.
  • Rain water catchment; Four 55 gallon food grade rain barrels, downspout diverters.
  • 80% efficient fireplace insert.
  • Variable speed pool pump
  • Rheem Marathon lifetime electric water heater 
  • Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

 

Host Comments

Originally, energy saving improvements were to reduce escalating costs, but the benefits extend far beyond just cost reduction. Reduced energy consumption and on-site renewable energy production benefit homeowners, the local community, help preserve precious natural resources for future generations, and reduce global impact on the environment. Since 2004 - Site energy consumption (electric and natural gas) reduced from 64.6 kBtu/sf/year, to 26.3 kBtu/sf/year, or approximately 60%, annual energy costs reduced by 67%, GHG emissions reduced by nearly 70%, and annual water consumption reduced by 50%. 2018 annual electrical consumption was 7490 kWh. 2018 natural gas (heating and cooking) consumption was 297 CCF. The solar PV system provides approximately 86% of the annual electrical consumption. In addition to building energy efficiency upgrades, lifestyle changes such as air drying laundry, solar oven cooking, monitor back lighting reduction, adjusting thermostat settings, reducing pool filtration duration's etc., all contribute to reduced energy consumption for this home.