Off-grid living in New Brunswick- SE
The owners decided to go off-grid because the ability to sell power in New Brunswick was not quite there. They wanted power independence so that they would no longer suffer from grid down situations like hurricanes and other weather-related power outages. The owners also care about the environment and want to reduce their impact as much as possible. They had access to credit to do this and so because they could afford to and felt that it was necessary to become early adopters to be able to share the possibility within the community and their group of friends and family. In November …
Retrofitting older bungalow leads to energy savings- SE
This homeowner wanted to do the right thing by making his home energy efficient (he went through an energy audit with Efficiency NB), and then installed renewable energy to lower his use of electricity from NB Power. After going through the energy efficiency upgrades, such as better insulating his basement, providing new windows, and sealing up cracks, they achieved an Energuide rating of 76. A wood stove insert was then added to their fireplace, which is far more efficient a source of heat, and uses 2 cord of wood per year. Their oil boiler is also a high efficiency (86%) …
Living efficiently in Upper Kingsclear- SE
This home owner has had energy efficiency and conservation in mind since building their home in 1993. It was one of the first R2000 homes in the area, and the family living in it is very conscious about energy use. They are always looking for ways to lower their reliance on grid electricity. They had a very efficient (82%) wood stove installed in February 2010, which greatly reduces their use of baseboard electric heating. They are very happy with the stove’s use and heat produced. In June 2010, they had a solar hot water system installed, to reduce their use …
Residential Photovoltaic & Heat Pump System- SE, GT
This system is unobtrusively mounted on the roof of a scenic home by the Saint John River, in a clearing that allows the sun to reach the panels at all points throughout the day. The system, which was installed in August of 2016, features 6 solar panels for a total capacity of 2.84kW, and the owner says he is interested in expanding his system. To prepare for this, he purchased an inverter that can handle up to 6kW capacity – more than double the current capacity. To keep track of the system’s electricity generation the owner uses the NB Power …
The Terra Berma Project – Sustainable Off Grid Living- BE, GT, SE
Along the tip of the Kingston Peninsula, the Terra Berma Project is a sustainable living project that demonstrates off-grid living doesn’t need mean compromising comfort. Constructed over 5 years using primarily using recycled tires and cob (a natural building material made from subsoil, water, some kind of fibrous organic material), the home was built out from the side of a hill using rammed earth techniques. The combination of building materials and lack of exposed walls means that the house is very well insulated. Ceiling insulation comes from a green roof, on the top of the split-story. The hill faces south …
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Installation- WIND
In the winter of 2016, provincial coordinator of Renewables NB, Falls Brook Centre, installed a new vertical axis wind turbine in partnership with Naveco Power. This new unit was installed in Marysville, outside of The Ville community centre. With 2 separate turbines stacked on top of each other, this unit produces a maximum power output of 6 kW and stands nearly 6 m (20′) high. Purchased from Kohilo Wind, this is their first model to be tested in Canada, and has been installed with the goal of engaging local stakeholders to invest in the new cutting-edge technology. This vertical axis wind turbine …
Geothermal and solar power in Middle Sackville- GT, SE
The Open Sky Co-operative in Middle Sackville, N.B., is housed on a 4.5 hectare (11 acre) farm and home dating from the 18th century. Heating an older home can be a challenge, and so the Co-operative undertook renovations to improve energy efficiency and to incorporate geothermal & solar energy on the farm. …
Geothermal in Little Shemogue- GT
A vertical-style geothermal heat pump was installed when the house was built, in 1993. At the time, the cost of the unit was approximately $4000 while the drilling of a second well (called the return well) was an additional $3000. The system served both as a source of heat in the cooler months and acted as air conditioning in the summer. In 2008, the initial heat pump was replaced by a newer model because it was a challenge for the owners to find skilled technicians who knew how to service the older heat pump. In order to qualify for funding, …
Geothermal in Sackville- GT
The owners installed a 4.5 t (5 ton) geothermal system with horizontal tubing in 2007 when the two oil furnaces heating their large, older home were reaching the end of their lifespan. At that time, there were federal and provincial rebates available for homeowners who were installing geothermal systems. This reduced the overall cost of the installation to roughly $12000. The owners opted for a horizontal geothermal field instead of a vertical field because it was both cheaper and their yard was spacious enough to fit the tubing needed for a 4.5-t (5-ton) system. The installers dug trenches 2 m (7′) deep in …
Solar Panels on Roof, Sackville, NB- SE
An R-2000 home! This self-installed solar hot water system (using propylene glycol) provides both domestic hot water and space heating through an in-floor heating system in the garage and house. The owner had originally considered installing oil to provide this heat, however, after looking at installation costs and the ongoing rising cost of oil, solar thermal was considered instead. They are very happy with their choice to go solar. …
