Project Of The Month March 2015

The first question often asked about Habitat for Humanity Kitsap County's (HFHKC) Harris Court project is "Solar Electric on low income family homes... really?" The answer is, "Yes, thanks to advances in photovoltaic technology, solar electric power makes great sense for low income family homes." This edition of "Project of the Month" gives a broad picture of HFHKC's solar neighborhood at Harris Court in Port Orchard.

Habitat for Humanity in Kitsap County began over 22 years ago and has a long term and fiscally responsible approach to building small, decent, affordable, and "long term sustainable" energy efficient homes. HFHKC has built individual homes on single lots and full neighborhoods in Kitsap County. The first homes that included solar power were complete in 2011. Harris Court will be HFHKC's 4th neighborhood and the largest project completed in which all of the homes have solar panels on the roof. Once complete, it will be largest single family home solar neighborhood in Washington State. Says HFHKC's Director Daryl Daugs, "Habitat for Humanity has a long history of being on the leading edge of building homes that are green and sustainable. Our goal is to move families out of substandard housing into owning a home that is affordable for the long term. Moving into solar PV is a natural progression."

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

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Land purchased (4.08 acres) in July of 2008

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Green Build "Eco-Charrette" Process and Report in December of 2008

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Land clearing and infrastructure development began in 2010.

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Infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, utilities) complete in August 2013

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Final Plat Submittal October 2013 - 32 lots

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Groundbreaking on the first two homes in November 2013

SUSTAINABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS:

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Sustainable Productive Landscape - All of the landscape on the community held property will be fruit bearing. 68 fruit trees and community gardens.

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Efficiency - HFHKC's homes are pre-designed with long term (Energy Star) sustainability.

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Heat - HFHKC has been utilizing a custom designed and "super-efficient" radiant heating system for 5 years.

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Solar Electric - Six unique floor plans have been pre-designed roof angle and orientation for 2.25 KW photovoltaic power systems.

Adds Daugs, "Collaborating with Sunergy Systems, itek Energy, Bluefrog Solar, and Sunmodo has been incredible. It is essential that our families are "hands on" with every aspect of building their home... including solar PV. Our partners have helped us gain this expertise and we truly appreciate it."

Habitat for Humanity is a self-help housing program. HFH works side by side with very low income families (30-60% of the median income) to help them build decent and affordable homes. When the home is finished, HFH provides the families with a zero interest mortgage in which their housing costs do not exceed 30% of their monthly income.

"Photos by Adam Simmons."

Source: our-green-energy.blogspot.com