Pioneer and engineer Doug Boleyn supports solar design, and keeps proving it over and over again. Built in 1975, the original active hot-water space heating system had 410 square feet of collectors and provided 55% of the home's space heating needs. In 1998, however, the system had to be removed due to the need for a new roof underneath.

The home is now equipped with a refurbished 75 square foot solar water heating system installed in October, 2001. In 1987, Doug added a sunspace that provides 15% of space heating needs, and a photovoltaic system that provides 10% of electric needs. The original house was designed by Architect Russ Hansen with 80% of the windows facing east or south. The sunspace was designed and built by Conifer Remodeling in 1987. The 1000 watt photovoltaic system was owner-designed to make use of 200 square feet of recycled solar cells. An additional 1000 Watts may be undergoing installation during the time of the 2002 tour.

This house was the first house with a solar heating system in Portland area in 1975. It was also the first grid-tied PV system in the Portland area in September, 1992

System Details

System Type:
Direct gain (south windows)
Solar hot water
PV
Storage: Tiled floors over sand
House: Built in 1975, remodeled '87
Engineer: Doug Boleyn, Cascade Consulting
Architect: Russ Hansen
Solar Installer: PV - owner
Hot water system - Sunbow Solar

Energy Performance
75% of water heating by solar water heater
10% of total electricity by photovoltaic system
10% of estimated space heating by passive solar sunroom

Energy Performance by Owner