Solar Heating & Cooling Case Study - San Jose ADU

In December 2019, SunDrum Solar and Freedom Solar  commissioned a 10.7kW hybrid solar PV-T system on an  Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) being built by Acton ADU in San  Jose, CA. The solar system supplies 100% of the electrical,  space heating, space cooling, and DHW for the entire home.  The system includes 670 sq. ft. of Insol Corp Infinite R 23C  phase change material installed in the ceilings, which serves as  thermal storage for the space heating and cooling. SunDrum  Solar’s thermal collectors are attached to the back side of  commercial PV panels allowing this area to collect both  electrical and thermal energy. The dramatic improvement in  solar energy collection increases useful energy to the client,  which is extremely valuable for homes with limited roof space.  In this case a standard PV array would only produce 6.5MWh  and the client would need to purchase energy from the grid. By  converting the PV panels to hybrid modules 14.5MWh of energy  is produced allowing the client to be net zero and reducing their  25yr cost of ownership to $9,000 vs a traditional system’s $113,000. Enablement of these systems in the small home  market will make homes more affordable and improve home  ownership.