Built around 1917, this house is half of a twin identical to four other twins on the block and a common design found in the Philadelphia region. Andy likes to point out that his house proves that it is possible to turn a typical Philadelphia house into a solar home. In addition to the solar systems the Rudin/Chin house employs a variety of other energy saving strategies such as fluorescent lighting, lots of insulation, high- efficiency appliances and water-saving fixtures on faucets and showerheads. The drain down solar hot water heating system dumps about two gallons of warm water into the garden each night resulting in very happy and healthy plants. Meters located on the inside and outside of the house measure how much electricity is being used against how much is generated. The outside meters are easily accessible to passersby. Andy and Joyce welcome visitors who want to learn more but appreciate a call beforehand to let them know your coming.

System #1: Electrical System- Electricity provided by PhotoVoltaic panels

System Characteristics:

This PV array is composed of thirty-six roof mounted 75-watt BP275 panels with a Trace SW4048P synchronous inverter and generates more electricity than the household consumes in a year.  Electric submeters measure total electricity generated and total used by the household.

Systems Specifications Summary:
 

System #2: Domestic hot H2O- a PV pump supplies water to Solar Collectors

System Characteristics:

Two 3’x7’ roof mounted drain-down solar hot water collectors provide hot water on sunny days. On cloudy days a gas hot water heater is available to assist if needed.  A water submeter measures all domestic hot water.  A gas submeter measures all gas used by the MorFlo water heater.

Systems Specifications Summary:
 

*solar collectors for this system were recovered from an abandoned system and reused in this application.