Solargon Homes

Solargon - Super Insulated Homes

2012-01-27T15:25:00.001-08:00

Stewart residence with super insulated Solargon addition. Longmont, Co.

Advantages of Super Insulated Homes:

They conserve energy without impacting the occupants’ lifestyle.
They are more comfortable, with no drafts, cold spots, or temperature stratification.
They are healthier because air quality is not left to chance but is controlled and can be monitored.
There is commonly a higher relative humidity. People who are bothered by dry house air in the winter will be more comfortable.
They are safer because backdrafting of combustion appliances is impossible.
They are quieter to outside noise because of thicker walls and better windows.
They save money, frequently 75% of heating and cooling costs.
They are more durable because of the quality of the materials used, the care in construction, and because of applied building science principles.
They are environmentally friendly, helping to build a sustainable future.

What does all this cost? Super insulated construction typically costs about 5-7% extra compared with conventional construction. Most of this cost is associated with better windows and doors, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, superior insulation R- value, and air sealing. A premium is almost always paid for quality, whether the product is an automobile, a consumer product, or your home. In the long run quality pays. A super insulated Solargon home will realize big savings on energy costs for the life of the home.

Source: Green Econometrics research

Figure 2 demonstrates that heating cost per square foot for good insulation saves approximately $2.90 per square foot in comparison to no-insulation at all. If we compare the heating costs savings to the cost of insulation, the payback period for insulation can be achieved in a year under most circumstances.

Note: Figures based on 1" polyurethane foam.(R-7.6) Solargon 30's use 5.5" ( R-42) of polyurethane foam. Costs and savings will be proportionally more.

Super insulated building is now a force the marketplace. Super insulated building practices are included in Canadian building codes and are standard practice in many parts of Europe. Changes to the Model Energy Code have been implemented by the US Department of Energy and US Department of Housing and Urban Development in this country. Monetary incentives, such as Energy Rated Mortgage which increase the borrowing power of buyers of energy efficient homes, are in place at banks right now. Programs like the Energy Star Homes Program, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, encourage builders to build Superinsulated homes and provide a rating system to evaluate energy performance.
Consumers interested in healthy indoor environments, decreased energy costs, environmental friendly lifestyles, and quality in their homes can insure that super insulated building becomes standard practice in the US.

Write us at solargonhomes@gmail.com for information about a Solargon home.

New Decks

2012-01-26T17:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a warm winter so far and this has allowed us to pour concrete piers which receive the 6x6 deck posts which support the trellis over the new decks.

See web album

Write me with questions.

Borowski Solargon 30-10

2012-01-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

Longs Peak 14,259 ft. above sea level, is one of the most prominent mountains in Colorado, rising 7,000 feet above the town of Estes Park to the northeast, and 9,000 feet above the town of Lyons Colorado to the east.

This Solargon 30 with 10 ft. walls is being finished by the owner complete with decks,a loft and a low maintenance metal roof-perfect for the Rocky Mountains.With Estes Park just 4 miles away this Solargon cabin makes the perfect energy efficient mountain getaway. See More Feel free to write me for more information at solargonhomes@gmail.com

Vintage Octagon Homes

2012-01-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

The Zelotes Holmes House in Laurens, South Carolina, was built from 1859-1862, using the "gravel wall construction" (poured concrete) advocated in Fowler's book. The house is unusually large with each outside wall measuring 21 feet. The pink granite foundation supports the "gravel walls" of slaked lime, sand and stone, 18 " thick in the cellar and tapering to 12" at the roof. The exterior is finished in tan colored smooth stucco, scored to imitate stone. The house features 14 octagonal chimneys, three original porches and a cellar with dirt floor under the entire house.
See More
-- Photo for the Historic American Building Survey, James Boucher, 1986

Contact us for more info about an ultra efficient Solargon home, cabin or addition.

Stewart Solargon

2012-01-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

The roofing for the Stewart job is now complete and the heating sytem is installed. Because of the winter weather the Stewarts will wait till spring to match the brick and stucco of the existing house.

"ODESA Criteria"

2012-01-09T20:14:00.001-08:00

ICS SIPs and Solargon use the best insulation available: high R-value, injected, rigid, closed-cell polyurethane. It serves to totally eliminate four of the six mechanisms of heat transfer (convection, air intrusion, air infiltration, and moisture accumulation), and significantly reduces the other two (conduction and radiation). Each of these is detailed in our brief article “Mechanisms of Heat Transfer.”
In the wintertime, we want to trap heat indoors and reduce heat loss.
In the summertime, we want to trap cool air and reduce heat gain.
Fortunately, insulation works both ways: to reduce heat gain, or to reduce heat loss.
In a climate such as Arizona, radiant heat from the sun is a significant factor. Radiant heat can be reduced with three methods: shading, reflection, and multiple barriers. Polyurethane has a cellular structure that provides hundreds of thousands of barriers to diminish radiant heat.
In addition, the ambient air temperature in Arizona in the summertime is quite high, day and night. Ambient heat is transferred indoors via conduction, convection, air intrusion, and air infiltration. Polyurethane, with its very high R-value, significantly reduced conduction. The closed-cell foam totally eliminates convection, air intrusion, and air infiltration.
Other forms of insulation, such as fiber-glass, cellulose, Icynene, and blue-jean material, have half the R-value, allow air-flow, and do not eliminate any of the six mechanisms of heat transfer.
Another significant factor in reducing heat transfer is the amount of area of the building that is exposed to the elements. Buildings should be designed to create the most floor-space with the least amount of building materials, thus the least wall area. A circular building is most efficient, with an “efficiency ratio” of floor area to lineal feet of walls of 8.9. However, a circular building is more difficult to build than one with flat surfaces. An octagonal building, which as an efficiency ratio of 8.7, is much easier to build. A square building is a bit less efficient, with a ratio of 7.9. Rectangular shapes become less efficient as the length and width become less congruent. For example, a rectangular building that is 10′ wide and 100′ long has an efficiency ratio of 4.5.
The Solargon is designed to meet the " Odesa Criteria"
1. Proper ORIENTATION;
2. Proper DESIGN;
3. Excellent thermal ENVELOPE;
4. Energy-efficient and right-sized SYSTEMS;
5. Appropriate use of ALTERNATIVE energy to achieve net-zero energy use.
The first four steps achieve CONSERVATION by reducing heating, cooling, and lighting loads.
The final step achieves CONVERSION by generating all the remaining energy needed on-site.
ODESA is the most cost-effective way to achieve net-zero and low-impact living.

Article by Brian Propp

Willett Solargon Finished

2012-01-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

The Willett off-grid Solargon located in Sand Creek Park, Colorado is complete.
They have been busy this year finishing the interior of the cabin, setting up
the the solar and wind turbine systems, trenching for wiring and
waterpipes, and digging the well and septic system. See More Pictures

Living Room

Bedroom: Notice solar panel system and wind turbine outside the window.

Clic on Willett Solargon to see more pictures of this finished project.

Solargon Projects

2011-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

Paonia Colorado - Solargon 30 with 8' walls

Hi all,
If you have a building project in mind for 2012 now is the time to start planning. Even though Solargons go up quickly, the project start to finish, will take time. What is your floor plan? Will you want a slab on grade foundation or build on caissons? This is the time to start thinking about all that is needed to get there by summer. This has been a an interesting year with new applications for Solargons. Our latest project was a Solargon 30 with 10' walls. The owner added a 700 sq. ft. master bedroom with walkout porch and decks with a link to the existing house. You are always finding new ways to utilize our ultra efficient octagon structures. If you have questions about your upcoming Solargon cabin, home or addition write me at solargonhomes@gmail.com

Solargon Porch Addition

2011-12-10T10:17:00.001-08:00

This walkout porch from the Solargon 30 master bedroom is a welcomed addition,

with grand views of the Colorado front range and Indian Peaks.

Framing detail of the 6x10 fur beams See the web album.

Willett Project Complete

2011-12-02T17:57:00.001-08:00

The Willett Solargon project was completed this fall and more pictures of this project are coming soon. To see pics click on this link and go to the Willett project.

Solargon Link and Loft Completed

2011-11-15T14:36:00.001-08:00

Completion of the loft above.

View of the loft from the south facing bedroom.

After building the link floor system from the original home to the Solargon, the carpenters are shown framing the roof over the new walls.

South facing view of the inclosed link between the Solargon and original home.

To see more of this Solargon 30 project Click Here

Roof Panels

2011-10-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

View of the Stewart/Cool Solargon 30 addition with the roof panels on. To the right is the link which will connect the Solargon to the existing home. This Solargon addition boasts R-42 roof and wall panels giving this super strong structure big advantages over any conventional building.

Above is the link framing to the main house. Two small ponds will be added with a small stream feature running under the link from one to the other.

Stewart Progress

2011-10-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Setting the first four roof panels allows us to bridge the roof system over the crown beam assembly and connect to the square skylight compression ring.

Glen Haven Cabin

2011-10-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

This mountain getaway is just 45 minutes from town in the front range of the Colorado Rockies. Located in the canyon can be cold in the winter, so having a R-42 wall and roof package keeps this cabin warmer with minimal energy demands.

Stewart Master Suite

2011-10-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

With the foundation complete the crew will now install the I beam which splits the Solargon floor span with utility room below.

TJI Floor system

Borowski Solargon in Glen Haven

2011-09-20T08:04:00.001-07:00

Just a few miles out of Estes Park, Colorado along the North Fork is the little town of Glen Haven, site of the latest Solargon 30 project. Glen Haven is a very small town with a market and the Glen Haven Inn. Coffee is 25 cents at the market, and as soon as you arrive in town you are leaving town. Take the switchbacks out of the valley to the top of the hill and you find the view below of Longs Peak in Estes Park.

Above is the crown beam assembly with rafters which supports the R-42 roof panels.

View from the driveway with most of the roof panels installed.

See More

Stewart Solargon 30 Addition

2011-08-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Stewart Solargon project located in Longmont, Colorado has broken ground. They plan on using their Solargon for a master suite complete with a link to the existing house. A small brook will flow under an arched opening below the link.

Pictured above is the stepped foundation ready for the concrete pour.

Willett Solargon Update

2011-08-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Willett Solargon Project started last summer with the connection of two Solargon 30's and a bathroom/entry link in between. This summer they have been busy working on the inside. The kitchen now has the new cabinets. They have also installed drywall and the hand railings to the loft as shown here.

Solargon 20

2011-08-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is a Solargon 20 being dismantled. This was the show model for Ellie's Eco Home Store in Boulder Colorado. The store has since closed and the building will be reused.

Colorado Solargon

2011-06-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

In the sweet little town of Paonia, Colorado there is a home.

Intelligent Dwelling

2011-04-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Changes toward a greener energy policy here in the U.S. move slowly. Natural gas seems to be a cleaner chose but is it? There always seems to be costs to the environment and as the demand rises so will the cost of any energy source. The logic still comes back to conservation. Energy not spent is energy saved. Low consumption is savings which leads to this thought. Eat a meal and you are fueled for several hours. A good pair of shoes may last you a year. Buy a good car and have it for several years but when it comes to a living space, it should last you the rest of your life.
Start with a very efficient building and you greatly lower your demand for energy. Low demand equals savings and over the lifetime of the building the saving more than compensate for the investment in efficiency. There is no doubt that the cost of energy will go up. As a builder and designer I know of no other building system that offers better saving than the Solargon SIPs component systems. Efficient and intelligent designs give you great savings.

Solargon 30

2011-01-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Solargon 30 looking up at the skylight from the kitchen.

2010-12-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Solargon 30 Interior

Solargon Tours

2010-12-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

Click here.

2010-11-25T09:24:00.001-08:00

Solargon manufacturer Brian Propp outside the Sutherland Solargon 30

solargonhomes@gmail.com

Willett Project Review

2010-11-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Willett Solargon project was our largest to date. The combination of two Solargon 30-10 over a walkout basement with a large link gave the owners just over 2,300 sq. ft. of living space. This spacious dwelling will be interesting to follow as they add their solar P.V. system next spring.

Setting one of the last wall panels in the connecting link.

2010-11-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Get Small and Live Large

Buildings represent 71% of the consumption of electricity
in the U.S. and generate 39% of the nation's carbon
emissions. Clearly any plan to meet the climate change and
electricity generation capacity challenges must address buildings.

Cut your home utility bills — freeing money for
other things.

Increase your comfort even though you downsize

Reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Increase national security.

Relax while energy-efficient technologies and
products continue producing these benefits for you
day after day, year after year.

Sand Creek Sunset

2010-11-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

South west window view - Solargon 30.

Carrick and Sarah in Sand Creek

2010-11-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Carrick have worked to get their off grid Solargon ready for the winter.

Go to Web Album to see more.

Hummingbird Ranch Solargon 30-10

2010-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

We finally received some shots of the Hummingbird Ranch Solargon 30.

They finished the exterior of this Solargon with stucco for low maintenance.

To see more pictures of this project go to the Web Album.

Latest Solargon 30 in Paonia, Colorado

2010-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Solargon 30-8 model with 8' walls in the beautiful town of Paonia, Co.

View from inside looking out. See more.

2010-10-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Go to Solargon Plus 2 to see pictures of the Willett project.

2010-10-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Revisit the Solargon 20 in Paonia, Colorado at Tinyhouse blog.com.

Done for the season

2010-10-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is owner Sally Willett in her master bedroom.

"We are pretty much done with construction for the season, barring some painting, sanding, etc. We will start again in the spring, windows are in, decks finished and final grading is done."

Web Album

Fall In Sand Creek

2010-10-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Scott Kirk with owner Dave Willett admiring the back deck.

Staircase to the loft area.

View from the loft.

Looking down at the master bedroom.

2010-09-21T08:48:00.001-07:00

With the extremely dry conditions and the recent fires in Colorado, this project has taken extra precautions for fire mitigation. Along with the SIPs panels which are very fire resistant the Willetts have chosen metal roofing and concrete siding.

Willett Project

2010-09-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

We have about finished the siding and trim and will install the metal roofing next.

See Web Album

2010-08-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

This picture was shot from the east side of the beaver dam.

Sand Creek, Colorado.

2010-08-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Willett concept home above and the project in Sand Creek, Colorado below. Click on web album to see more pictures.
Write me with comments or questions about creating your ultimate energy saving living space. solargonhomes@gmail.com

Willett Progess

2010-08-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

It is mid August and the Willett Solargon project is about closed in. These twin Solargon 30-10's are connected by a 12'x18' link with entry and bathroom. The 10' walls give this model a big feel and room for a loft.

Before the roof went on the crown beam and rafter assembly was installed.

Owner Dave Willett and Solargon designer Rob Galloway.

Solargon Paonia 20-4

2010-07-18T15:17:00.001-07:00

This is the latest version of the Solargon 20 with 311 sq. ft of living space. Owners Kale and Laura have finished this charming cabin complete with deck, sandstone patio, hot tub and root cellar. The Solargon 20-4 features a four sided roof system over an ultra efficient SIPs octagon.

View from the hot tub.

Inside is a nice kitchen with an addition to accommodate a bathroom.

Small gable windows illuminate the T&G ceiling giving this cabin an open and light living space. The SIPs building envelope, which included all wall and roof panels was assembled in 6 hours and the owners completed the entire project in 3 months. Click on Web Album to see more. For more information about creating your own Solargon cabin or home write to solargonhomes@gmail.com

Willett Project

2010-07-02T08:56:00.001-07:00

Go to the Web Album to see more about this off grid Solargon project.

Foundation

2010-06-22T12:58:00.001-07:00

The WIllett project is moving forward with the completion of the footers shown above.
For the latest pictures of this project go to the Web Album

Willetts Break Ground !

2010-06-02T14:13:00.001-07:00

AAfter a long winter Dave and Sally finally start their Solargon project in Sand Creek.

Meisler Solargon Project

2010-05-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Many thanks and all the best to Peg and Peter Meisler on their purchase of two Solargon 20 models for a southern Colorado project which will link the two octagon building with a 24' link. The link will include a kitchen and bath with a staircase to the cellar.

Dream

2010-05-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Solargon sales person Sheri Mattei and family at Dream Lake at the base of Halletts Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. The short walk to this overwhelmingly beautiful place is a must if you find yourself in northern Colorado. We have our own dream of building an ultra efficient Solargon home this summer. For more information about owning your Solargon cabin or home write us at solargonhome@gmail.com.

Solargon 20

2010-05-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Pictured above is the Solargon 20 show model being set at the new ICS plant. We used 2x6 redwood and framed an octagon to fit under the Solargon. After building and leveling the support frame we lifted the Solargon with two forklifts and drove beside the frame. We then lowered it and pushed the cabin over the frame and did final adjustments. Then lifting in select spots we removed the pipes. It was just that simple. To view more pictures see album below.

Click to see the Web Album

Solargon Tour

2010-04-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the latest Solargon Sutherland tour.

Picture of the living room from the loft.

And here is Roger one of our Solargon photographers.

To see more pictures of the the tour go to web album.

Relocation of the Solargon 20

2010-03-31T10:20:00.001-07:00

ICS-RM- manufacturer of Solargon products is moving to their new larger plant location in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Solargon 20 show model pictured here is being moved to it's new home. Click on the Web Album to see pictures of the complete move.

Solargon Sutherland Tour

2010-03-22T21:30:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for coming to the Solargon tour today and to the Sutherlands for their generosity in letting us tour their mountain cabin. A special thanks to Sheri Mattei for putting the tour together. Click the Web Album to see more.

Solargon 20

2010-03-16T09:53:00.001-07:00

A Solargon 20 on top of a Solargon 20... just another example of the unlimited ways to arrange our super versatile buildings to create your our unique living space.

Solargon Diamond

2010-03-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Solargoners,
There has been a lot of interest in our Solargon Diamond 24 model home. This unique design has about 700 sq. ft. of room with a spiral staircase to the loft space and bathroom above. The design incorporates passive solar and the square footprint is still very efficient. Solar panels can be added over the southeast and southwest windows.Let me know what you think.
Solargonhomes@gmail.com

Solargon News

2010-02-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Betsy Markey
Representing Colorado's Forth Congressional District

One of the things Congresswoman Betsy Markey is focused on is “creating a lasting energy plan for our country”, therefore, she met with Sheri Mattei of Solargon to talk about this extremely energy efficient green building, Solargon.

One of the many applications for the Solargon is emergency housing.
A Solargon building assembles in 4 hours to 3 days depending on the model; therefore this building is perfect for relief in Haiti and the many people that are still in need of permanent housing in the wake of Katrina.

Congresswoman Betsy Markey was happy to hear about how very strong Solargons are and their incredible energy efficient off the grid capability, which allows for low energy consumption after one moves into the building. Solargon; "Making larger strides, leaving smaller footprints."

Sheri Mattei enjoyed and appreciated meeting with Congresswomen Betsy Markey

Solargon

2010-02-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

Bev Dolittle

On my way to assembly the Paonia Solargon 30 (previous post) I went over McClure Pass in western Colorado. At the very top of the pass just before you descend into the beautiful Paonia valley, there is an incredible forest of aspen. I stopped to take the picture above and was amazed at the density of aspens. It reminded me of a Bev Dolittle painting with the absence of Indians on horseback.
Dreams of my own Solargon in the woods came to mind.

If you have property and you are thinking of creating your own new living space and building a super efficient home, then consider this. It is not difficult. The people that show up for the assemble of Solargons are surprised at how quickly the structure goes up. If you have several friends and a weekend you can assembly a Solargon. Most of the building is already done when it arrives at your site. You do not have to be a builder and help is available for the planing and preparations needed for a smooth assemble of your Solargon home. Let me know your thoughts at: solargonhomes@gmail.com

Somewhere in Paonia

2010-02-08T20:41:00.000-08:00

Surrounded by mountains and nestled in the beautiful valley of Paonia, Colorado is the latest addition to the Solargon family. Owner Cindy Young is delighted to see her new octagon meditation space finally come together. Just 14 hours after the assembly crew began, this very efficient passive solar SIPs building was completed. It is set in an old cherry orchard and when the pink blossoms grace this dwelling in the spring I will return. Many thanks to the crew and Cindy for their help in making this a great building experience.

The morning went well and the crown beam assembly and some of the roof panel were installed.

Above the building is pictured with the shell completed and ready for interior and exterior finishings. To see the web album click here.

Contact Us for more information about Solargons.

Solargon Winter

2010-01-04T10:01:00.001-08:00

Bob Sutherland shown here gathering wood for his Solargon 30 mountain home.

2009-11-27T20:59:00.001-08:00

Winter Comfort

2009-11-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Well winter is upon us and you can take advantage of huge savings on Solargon cabins and homes with our Stimulus sale!

This Solargon 30 has the optional 10' walls giving you more vertical room for a loft. Click Here to see our post on tinyhouseblog.com

Best Cabin On The Market

2009-11-10T22:21:00.000-08:00

Just a short clip of the Loveland Solargon 30 as the interior is being finished.

2009-11-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

Owner Bob Sutherland has completed the outside of his Solargon 30 with rough cedar boards and battens and a low maintenance metal roof complete with a large wrap around deck and awsome views.

The architectural lines and woodwork were stunning as we walked in and looked up at a sea of sweet smelling pine.

Here is a view from the loft area. A great place for the kids and sleeps about six.

The glass for the gable windows arrived today and will be a great accent for the knotty pine covered walls and ceiling. Although these windows are not big they seemed to bring the outside in and offered additional light and great views from the loft above. To see the web album click here.

Sancturay In The Round

2009-10-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

This sanctuary in the round north of Crestone, Colorado contains 12 ridge lines and 12 valleys in the roof system. The original roof was canvas and needed replacement. Designer Rob Galloway replaced the old roof with this complex new design. A steel cable at the top of the wall serves as a moment ring keeping the walls from splaying outward. Although a true round building it proves less cost effective to build than an octagon. Click on picture to see a close up.

Sand Creek Solargon 30 Update

2009-10-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Sand Creek Solargon 30 with completed exterior siding and metal roofing.

Future Solargoners?

2009-09-25T14:05:00.001-07:00

This Solargon 30 is nestled at the edge of a mountain meadow. Assembled in just 3 days, the carpenter crew is now building the walk-out deck.

From left to right is John Haas with David and Sal Willet, shown visiting the Bob Sutherland Solargon west of Loveland, Colorado. Solargon sales rep. Sheri Mattei would love to see them all living in our ultra efficient passive solar buildings.

Solargon 30

2009-09-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

This Solargon 30 is the latest model with it's 10' high walls and loft area. Located in the Rocky mountains west of Loveland, Colorado this super efficient mountain home will be off-grid. For more pictures click here.

First Solargon 30

2009-08-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Solargon 30 pictured is the first to go up and is located in Colorado on the Wyoming border. It will be an off-grid retreat for the study of energy efficiency. With wall and roof panels rated at R42 this passive solar octagon is located at nearly 8,000 feet on the high plains of northern Colorado. Assembly of walls and roof panels was less than three days.

It will utilize a large solar hot water storage system with radiant floor heat and a PV system for power. For more pictures of the project click here.

Webb's Twin Solargons with Link

2009-05-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Pictured above are twin Solargons with a new link joining them. There is a loft area above with room below for a power room hallway to the twin octagon. This is just one way to add to an existing home to increase your living space. To see the album of pictures click here.

The Future of Clean Energy is Now

2009-04-24T15:16:00.001-07:00

Commentary by Steve Clark

It is time to leave behind the polluting ways of the past and embrace the clean energy future. There is a revolution happening in the way in which we make and use energy. We each mustbecome active participants in this revolution.
In the past our energy masters have dug up black rocks from the ground, hauled them to power plants and burned them, fouling the air and water with pollution in the process and sold us the electricity. This primitive, inefficient, dirty method of making electricity is no longer either necessary or cost effective.
Today we have the technology to make the energy that we need from the sunshine that falls on our roofs. The implications of these changes are truly revolutionary and the benefits we will reap are tremendous.
First and most important we must realize that this revolution is within our grasp and stop accepting the advice of “energy experts” who tell us to proceed with caution and not abandon the old dirty methods of making energy. We no longer need new central power plants (neither coal nor nuclear) and the investment in such projects is money wasted. They are neither clean nor safe and the efforts to make them so are misguided. In reference to new developments in solar energy technology David Freeman says, “the prospect of this technology creates a conundrum for the electric utility industry and Wall Street.
Can — or should — any utility, or investor, count on the long-term viability of a coal, nuclear or gas investment? The answer is no.” http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinio /280625_solarcell10.html Mr. Freeman is referring to one of the disruptive technologicaldevelopments in solar, the reduction of the cost of solar electricity by 80% from $5 to $1 dollar per Watt. NanoSolar.com
We also need to wake up from the nightmare of oil addiction. Personal mobility is being provided by our rich drug er I mean oil dealers at an unnecessarily high cost to society and the planet. 40 countries now spend more to import oil than the total amount of theirGDP. Why not drive around on sunshine?
The life cycle cost of electric vehicles is now less than gas vehicles. When Shai Agassi realized this he started Project Better Place. He plans to build the renewable powered infrastructure for charging EVs in Israel first, then Denmark and other places are signing up daily. Nissan will build the electric cars. He will then sell miles of mobility and the cars will be practically free (like your cell phone)
Here is the math on electric mobility vs the old ICE gasoline powered vehicle you drive today. First off nobody wants gasoline except maybe arsonists. Gas is a dirty, toxic, smelly and dangerously volatile, flammable substance. What you want is mobility so stop thinking in miles per gallon and start thinking in Miles Per Dollar (MPD). If your car gets 30 mpg and gas is $3 per gallon you get 10MPD. The new Tesla Motors electric car not only goes fast and will travel 250 mile on a charge it gives you 100MPD.
We presently export $1 billion dollars a day for oil. If we stopped doing that we would keep that money in our local economies and the Federal Reserve banksters could quit printing so much money that it loses value.
Once PBP is working we don’t need foreign oil. Now our economy is stable because we stopped printing a billion dollars a day and exporting it for oil. We stopped wasting time and money looking for impractical ways to get liquid fuels for our inefficient internal combustion engines by growing them or making liquid fuel from coal. Now we can concentrate on feeding people instead of our cars.
But we really must stop the other global climate crisis producing industry - coal power - as well as eliminating the need for oil. Yes the coal industry also makes electricity and we are much more addicted to that energy than oil. We must be careful Mr Peabody doesn’t decideto blackmail us like OPEC does.
Several thin film photovoltaics companies are producing solar panels at less than $1 per watt. One company NanoSolar has built a factory at a cost of $100 million. It has the capacity to produce almost 500 megawatt each year. At that rate it will be over 1,000 years before we replace existing coal generating capacity. Climate change will prevent us from moving that slowly to replace fossil fuel with renewable energy (RE).
But if we have free electric vehicles (EVs) from PBP powered by wind energy and cheap NanoSolar photovoltaics to recharge them we are saving all that money we used to export for oil. We have an extra billion dollars a day to spend. The first day we build 10 NanoSolar plants. We now have full employment installing solar panels. Now it is only 100 years to eliminate coal — still too slow. The next day we build ten more — now it’s ten years to eliminate coal. The third day we build ten more and by the end of that year we are totally powered by RE and our EVs are connected to the grid and we are getting a check from the utility for our solar power and a check for our grid tied EV. Now instead of working to support our cars and houses they are supporting us.
Now we can go to the air force and point out that chicken dinners are cheaper than bombs. They can start dropping chicken dinners on people rather than bombs and other nations will stop hating us. Imagine… And it is only day three of the new economy. What will wedo with our extra billion tomorrow?
But for now lets just say that our communities will be cleaner, quieter, healthier and more prosperous with solar energy and electric mobility… and we stopped the climate crisis and ended oil wars and jump started the economy and… Solar Energy - Free Deliveries Daily!

Special thanks to Steve Clark and Sunsationalgreen.com

2009-04-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

April 22, 1970, Earth Day marks the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Approximately 20 million Americans participated, with a goal of a healthy, sustainable environment.

Solargon Cabins and Homes: Diamond 20 New Solargon Model

2009-04-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

Diamond 20 New Solargon Model

2009-04-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

The latest Solargon model called the Diamond 20 with it's distinctive roof, has 400 sq. ft. with a spiral staircase to the loft bedroom plus half bath. (100 sq. ft.) Great solar gain with SIPs R42 wall and roof panels.

Earth Hour Boulder, Colorado

2009-04-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Even though Boulder is a the cradle of so-called green business and attitude, my camera didn't record any lights going off for Earth Hour 2009. Scott Kirk and Sheri Mattei attended the gathering at Resource 2000 in Boulder.

2009-03-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

This Solargon "Smart Cabin" is located at the ICS-RM manufacturing plant in Loveland,Colorado. This super efficient building far exceeds any conventionally built structure for heat gain and retention. You can click on the link below to see real time temperatures inside and out of the performance of our cabin. This 100% passive solar 20' model loses direct sunlight at about 1:00 PM due to the larger building to the west, which is reflected in the data.http://welserver.com/WEL0122/

Solargon Twins

2009-03-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

The new Solargon 30 gives you 700 sq. ft of open living space. By combining two together with a 12'x 12' link you end up with over 1500 sq. ft as seen in this concept home above.

Space saving beds are perfect for Solargons

2009-03-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

We've liked the space-saving sofa that transforms into bunks and traditional Murphy bed from UK retailer Bonbon Trading; they've combined those two concepts into "Lollipop," a horizontal folding bunk bed with a couple of cool options.
They can add a folding table to the front, to create additional workspace when the bottom bed is folded, and shelving on the top (pictured above). The whole thing is just 31 cm (just about 12 inches) deep, making it easy to turn any room into the guest/kids room. Hit the jump to see more pics, check out Apartment Therapy's cool round-up of horizontal-opening Murphy beds, and cross your fingers that these smart less-is-more space-savers will be available in the US soon. ::Bonbon Trading via ::The Design Blog

Solargon Cabins and Homes: Solargon Concept Village

2009-03-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Solargon Cabins and Homes: Solargon Concept Village

Solargon Concept Village

2009-03-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Poly vs Soy

2009-03-16T22:52:00.001-07:00

Polyurethane spray foam was invented in a laboratory accident in the first half of the twentieth century. Originally used as coatings in aviation applications, foam polyurethane products evolved and were eventually applied to home building situations where hermetic sealing by insulation was desired. Over the years spray foam went through ups and downs: at everlasting holy war with fiberglass; formulating a version that discouraged mold growth; making the price more reasonable; and of course - how environmentally friendly can a ultra-efficient house really be filled to the gills with polyurethane?
Enter the BioBased soy-oil based spray foam product. BioBased Spray Foam Insulation is a spray foam with all the good traits of its polyurethane forerunner, like being able to hermetically seal a house to ultra efficiency - while being installed in a fraction of the time that fiberglass takes. BioBased ratchets this up a notch by formulating their product from soy bean oil, a renewable resource which also renders the insulation inert - no more mold.
As any sage in your life may have told you at one point or the other, there is no such thing as a free lunch. So what’s the catch with soy foam? The product performs, it delivers serious cost and environmental impact reductions to the home owner and it is renewable. But soy is a monolithic crop. It has taken biodiversity out of thousands of American farms and pushed fresh foods to an afterthought in the place of cheap and easy to prepare processed protein substitutes. Is a product that would encourage more expansion of soy bean growth really as good for the environment as the end user merchandise? In the grand scheme of environmental impact, maybe polyurethane foam is the better product after all. A thorough study is in order.

Special thanks to KingKirk for his great efforts to make our new web site possible.

2009-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

2009-03-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

2009-03-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

Scott Kirk positions the scaffolding for the next set of roof panels.

Makasha's Solargon Assembly

This Solargon Smart Cabin has found a home in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Set beside a stream this will be the office for our dear friend and solargoner Makasha with the Hummingbird Community Ranch.

Thanks to all who gave so much to bring this project together.

Solargon Contact Page

2009-02-23T17:00:00.001-08:00

2009-02-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in Paonia, Colorado is this Solargon home.The early prototype in the foreground was stick framed. The latest addition next to it is an updated 20' model in SIPs panels. The owners plan soon to link them together to more than double their living space with a story and a half link. With the new baby they welcome the added living area. There are plans to install a Web Energy Logger in both units for a live feed to the net. This allows any time access from anywhere to data of the buildings energy performance. The difference in energy savings between the two building systems is dramatic. As a builder of forty years I see the shift from standard building components to greener systems. Codes are changing which drives the new green revolution.

2009-02-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

Solargon homes are inspired by design elements from Native American and Asian nomadic tribes and combine them with passive solar design principles. Using the latest in green building technologies we have created structures that work with and within the environment rather than dominating or disregarding it. Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources –energy, water, and materials-- while reducing building impacts on human health and, the environment through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle.
Our open octagonal designs allow convective airflow for more even distribution of solar generated heat. Properly sized windows are placed at the southeast, south and southwest walls. Passive homes reduce final demand for heat by factor 10, and total energy consumption by a factor 6 when basic passive solar principles are implemented. They represent one of the largest and most promising concepts to contribute significantly to sustainable energy.
Our new 30’ diameter building makes an ideal starter home, and can be attached or linked to additional Solargons. Your desired square footage and building arrangement can be tailor-made to fit a variety of needs with unlimited design options. Each unit is green built, has an “extreme insulation” value and is affordable, with less than half the heating requirements of conventional buildings. The pre-built wall and roof panels (SIPS) are assembled onsite in less than three days for our 30’ model and only hours for the 20’ model. The interior and exterior can then be finished with treatments of your choice. Remember an efficient envelope is the backbone of a green home. This building system surpasses conventional framed buildings for R-values and strength by a large margin. The wall panels are manufactured with electrical conduit embedded at selected locations and are ready to run wiring after the building is erected. With the addition of appropriately sized solar panels and an optional solar radiant floor heating system, heating costs can be reduced to near O.
Large homes generally use a tremendous amount of energy to heat and cool. This energy usually comes from the combustion of fossil fuels, depleting these resources and emitting greenhouse gases and pollutants into the air. The octagonal shape of the Solargon uses 20 % less materials to enclose the same space as say a rectangle. By combining passive solar principles with an efficient building envelope you can upgrade your lifestyle by reducing living costs and downsize your living space without losing a sense of openness and light.