Tour Set for First Residential Solar Project in Old Town Alexandria

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Want to learn how you can shrink your heating and cooling costs to $55 a month?

A home tour of what is believed to be the first residential solar project in Old Town is scheduled from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at 100 Quay Street, across from Founders Park, that will demonstrate energy renovations that result in $55 per month projected heating and cooling costs, according to Energy House.

Most of the energy renovations that Energy House does for residential clients cost about $15,000 to $20,000 — however, these investments will typically increase the value of the home by 10 percent, according to Charley Juris, Energy House general manager.

The March 28 tour will include live demonstrations every half hour on energy-saving topics including:

• How solar panels can offset your energy needs
• How energy monitoring can save you big money
• How to purchase and properly install new windows
• How geothermal heating systems save money, are long lasting, and provide a tax credit
• How zone heating can save you hundreds of dollars each year

This is the first residential solar project approved in historic Old Town. In addition to solar technologies, this house features energy efficient windows, open- and closed-cell insulation, a geothermal heating and cooling system, zoned heating, LED lighting throughout, and all ENERGY STAR® appliances, according to a news release from Energy House.

Juris, Energy House general manager, has been partnering with Arlington and Alexandria homeowners and companies to make properties more energy efficient for the last six years. Since 2013, Energy House customers have saved more than $127,000.

The public is encouraged to preregister for this tour at www.energyhousetour.com.

Rendering of tour home courtesy of Energy House. Original line drawing courtesy of Karen M. Conkey Architect LLC