Solar Heating Information Library

Case Studies

SunWater Solar built the solar heating system for the Sunset Magazine Casa Verde Idea House, which is projected to save 3.25 tons of co2 per year, and over $30,000 in energy costs over the system's lifetime.

Casa Verde - Sunset Magazine's Idea House 2007

Sunset Magazine Idea House

Project Details

Location: San Francisco, CA, USA

  • 5 Trendsetter 30-tube evacuated tube collectors
    • Orientation: South
    • Tilt: 31 degrees
    • Square Feet of Collector(gross): 218
    • Square Feet of Collector (aperture): 205
  • Storage Tank
    • 350-gallon drain-back tank
    • Integrated stainless steel heat exchangers
  • System functions
      • Pool heating
    • Domestic water heating
    • Space heating (radiant)
Annual Estimated System Output:
  • 460 Therms
  • 13.44 Megawatt hours
  • 664 KWH/m2
Green Houses gases saved:
  • 3.25 tons/co2 per year
  • 81.25 ton/co2 over 25-year life of system
Energy Savings:
  • $600 first year
  • $1850 the 25th year (assuming only a 4% increase in energy
  • $30,000 over 25-year life of system