(Tillsonburg, Canada, August 17, 2007) Gentrac Building Corporation presented Tillsonburg’s first SOLAR powered ENERGY STAR qualified home this afternoon. Located in Wood Haven Subdivision at 4 Wood Haven Drive, the energy efficient home is equipped with a solar PV system which both generates electricity and acts as a 3-day backup power supply.
Speakers at the Gentrac Green Home unveiling included MP Dave MacKenzie (Oxford); MPP Ernie Hardeman (Oxford); Tillsonburg Mayor Stephen Molnar; Michelle Cote of EnerQuality Corporation, which oversees the ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative in Ontario; Chris Evans of Carmanah Technologies; and Gentrac President John Gilvesy.
“Energy efficiency, and renewable energy provide Gentrac homeowners with reduced operating costs and healthier, more comfortable homes,” said Mr. Gilvesy. “I’m very pleased to announce that all new Gentrac homes at Wood Haven Subdivision will be energy efficient with ENERGY STAR qualification, and homebuyers will have upgrade options which include solar power, and R-2000 certification.”
In a congratulatory letter to Mr. Gilvesy, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer, Peter Love, said the solar powered ENERGY STAR® qualified home was, “…at the leading edge of new home construction.”
Every ENERGY STAR qualified home is performance tested, third party verified and government backed to ensure it is energy-efficient. Through improved construction techniques, more insulation, better heating and air solutions, as well as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, they are approximately 30% more energy-efficient than those built to minimum Ontario building code requirements. As a result, they are more environmentally friendly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3 tonnes a year (see www.esnewhomes.ca for more information).
The solar electric generation system was provided by the R.E. Source Store in London, with support from Tillsonburg Hydro. The system consists of a 785 watt “Sanyo” solar array mounted on the roof with the balance of components in the basement. The system is “grid-tied” for the purpose of net metering with Tillsonburg Hydro, but does have back-up power capacity on selected circuits for up to three days thanks to the “Carmanah” back-up power unit. For more information on this system, go to www.theresourcestore.ca.
“It’s essential for homes with renewable energy systems to be highly energy efficient, to prevent all of the renewable energy generated from going out the window,” said Ms. Cote. “Gentrac is to be commended for their leadership in providing green homes, benefiting their customers and our environment.”
The 1,530 sq. ft. Merlot Model Green Home unveiled today also features 9 ft. ceilings, hardwood and ceramic flooring throughout, granite counter tops and cove mouldings, among other luxury features.
The head office is located at 18 Harvey Street in Tillsonburg. Call 519-842-9090 for more information or see www.gentrachomes.com.