Oceanfront Cape Captures the Sun...
Dan & Jen Rich:
Oceanfront Cape Captures the Sun
When Dan and Jen Rich began planning the addition to their Cape Cod-style home in Searsport in early winter 2009, they had a fairly clear understanding of their needs. With energy costs rising, the Riches were looking for ways to convert their property's southern exposure into energy savings at low-risk and low-cost. After exploring and researching a number of alternative systems, none turned out to be a perfect fit.
Although they liked the idea of a small wind turbine, there seemed to be no data available to justify that investment. They also considered a photovoltaic system. Finally Jennifer, the engineer in the family, found the VELUX Thermal Hot Water system while searching the Internet. She quickly recognized that the VELUX system suitably addressed their specific needs. So they took the next step and contacted Mid-Coast Energy Systems because, explains Dan, “We live on the coast. We felt that MCES would understand our needs and concerns better than anyone else.”
After speaking with Gina Philippon, MCES sales manager, Jennifer said she knew she'd found a well-informed and experienced energy expert who wasn't just looking for another sale. A site visit was arranged to assess the viability of the project, with respect to location, orientation and house design, and the project was officially set in motion.
What follows are Jennifer and Dan’s highlights, in their own words:
- “Everyone did their part to make sure the installation would be completed in one day. The team showed up at 8 a.m. and men went right to work on the roof, in the attic and in the basement, all handling different aspects of the job. We were encouraged to observe and ask questions throughout the day. When the job was done, the MCES team gave us the training we needed to maintain the system on our own. Regardless, we were glad to sign up for an annual service inspection with MCES.”
- “It'll take about 12 years to recoup our investment from savings realized by not using oil to heat the household's water. A tax deduction (30% of the installed cost of the system) and a $1,000 rebate from the state made the investment more financially justifiable. Our furnace runs much less than it did before our solar thermal system was installed. That gives us peace of mind. And our teenage daughter's ‘hotel showers’ don't cause Dan as much grief either!”
- “The overall experience was exceptional. MCES answered all of our questions and instilled a sense of confidence and assurance that the Velux system was the right system for us. The team that arrived at our home was extremely professional and focused on the installation - and while there was plenty of friendly banter between the guys that kept the atmosphere relaxed, when the time came for critical teamwork, the seriousness and danger of the situation called for maximum focus. A concentrated, joint effort by all involved made it clear that MCES personnel all mesh exceedingly well when circumstances dictate.”
“Jennifer and I would definitely utilize MCES again and while we hope we don't have any problems in the future with our Velux system, we feel safe in knowing that one phone call or an e-mail is all that it will take to answer our questions or come to our home again to resolve any operational issues. Many people have viewed the solar system since it was installed and we have heartily recommended MCES as the company of choice for anyone who might consider a similar system for their home."
See more images from this solar installation in our construction zone...