In builder’s lingo, the outside walls, doors, and windows of a house are its “envelope.” To maximize the efficiency and power of your solar photovoltaic system, it’s critical to make that envelope work for you. A tight building envelope translates into ensuring that the electricity you use to heat and/or cool your home does exactly that – not leak and heat/cool spaces unneeded places. Leaks are expensive. There’s no reason to let that money (and electricity) go out the window.
Speaking of windows… that’s a great place to start. Installing double-paned windows can cut breezy drafts, insulate your home from the extreme effects of the sun, and reduce outside noise. Fixing leaks doesn’t have to be expensive, sometime caulk is all you need to do the trick. If your home is poorly insulated, you may also want to consider upgrading your insulation. Putting insulation in your attic is like putting on a hat on a cold day to prevent heat loss (which by the way is 30 – 50 percent of total body heat).
Energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights seal your home’s envelope and help reduce the amount of electricity you need. Further enabling you to match the power your solar array produces to your true energy use. Here’s to another cooler idea.