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Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. Together with our members we’re building a solar-powered, energy efficient nation. But, we can’t do it without solar supporters like you. Will you JOIN US ?
We are in the final stages of a Deep Energy Retrofit. In our case this means removing the siding and adding 4" of board insulation, some new windows and doors, then trying to put it all back together again! New last year was a super-efficient (SEER 26), affordable Air Source heat pump. So far our annual natural gas usage has dropped from 1300 to 450 therms. Hoping not to need the furnace starting this winter :)
Earlier Upgrades include
For Transportation, we've got two turbodiesel cars running on home-brewed Biodiesel, a hybrid Escape and a couple of very fun and efficient scooter, including a Vectrix electric. Our barn full of bikes includes two tandems.
For Food Production, we have been trying to incorporate permaculture/forest gardening techniques to our small fruit orchard and raised bed vegetable gardens. We also have a 750 gallon rainwater collection system.
Directions: From I-390 (about 10 miles south of Rochester) take Rts 5 & 20 west to Avon's traffic circle (about 2.5 miles). Go south at the traffic circle onto Genesee Street. Our (yellow) house is on the left (east) side of the street about 0.5 miles from the traffic circle.