Maine Couple Takes On Solar Home Design

In Maine, solar home design is a rarity. In July of 2005, Anne Haynes came to Solaequis with concerns about being able to get good advice on her solar home design. In an e-mail to owner and consultant Fred Roberts, Anne outlined the basics of her plans. As her husband is a builder, she did not have a need for an architect; however, she was interested in getting advice on some of the solar features she wanted to use.

Fred quickly responded, asking for a floor plan, building elevations, and descriptions of internal mass elements and construction materials. He promised to provide markups of the plans, recommendations, and sketches, as well as simulation results.

Anne notes that Fred “provided competent technical information and advice about the solar features we had in mind, and what we might expect in terms of performance. He included large sketches of the building design and followed up with prompt and thoughtful responses vial e-mail.” At times, Anne became frustrated with various aspects of her solar home design project, but Fred remained involved “throughout the building and planning process.”

One year later, Anne and her husband have started construction on their solar home. Questions still come up, and Anne continues to consult with Fred, noting that his ongoing advice is of “immense value.”

Here in Maine, solar building seems to be in the infancy stage, and I found it hard to get good information and advice. Thankfully, Fred Roberts provides a wonderful building design and assessment service that helped us proceed on our new home with some confidence.

Anne Haynes - Solar Home Owner

Do-It-With-Helper

Save time and trouble, or simply take your solar home design to the next level with professional design assistance, plan review, or analysis. We offer the following consulting services:

Review plans and offer advice for improving performance and building comfort. It’s easy! Simply provide us with floor plans and building elevations

Make recommendations on overhangs and window shading devices to reduce unwanted solar gains. We perform this service by creating a shading study tailored to your design.

Offer suggestions for specific design enhancements. We will give you a written report showing performance of the submitted design, as well as performance of alternative features.

Start your design today, with BGW2004! Or, contact us for professional design assistance, a plan review, or a more detailed analysis of your solar house plans.