Photo: Carol Kaliff / Hearst Connecticut Media
By Katrina Koerting, News-Times Published 4:23 pm, Thursday, February 23, 2017
RIDGEFIELD — After nearly a year in their new home, the Ranades haven’t had to pay a nickel for the energy needed to run it.
That’s because all the electricity needed to heat, cool and power the 2,500 square-foot home comes from the 32 solar panels installed on the roof.
The panels, which generate 11.5 kilowatts of electricity, are just one feature of the “net-zero” house, which was recently featured in the CT Zero Energy Challenge, which is sponsored by Energize CT, an initiative of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the state and various energy companies.
The energy-efficient features are all but invisible in a home characterized by its open layout, abundant natural light and vibrant paintings adorning the walls.
“It’s very tranquil,” said Kishore Ranade. “The open space brings the outside in.”
Large windows in the living room showcase the sprawling hill and woods in the back yard. The windows also provide beautiful views of the sunsets.
“We wanted something that had more of a feeling of the outdoors,” Mala Ranada said.
The windows also allow light to warm the house in the winter, enhancing the home’s energy efficiency. Special solar shades outside the glass let light filter in, illuminating the space, while keeping the heat out if it gets too warm.
At first, the Ranades were looking to renovate the ranch house, which belonged to Irene Kampen, who wrote “Life Without George,” the inspiration for the TV show “The Lucy Show,” starring Lucille Ball.
They turned to Mike Trolle, a principal at BPC Green Builders, and learned that it made more financial sense to completely rebuild, adding the energy-efficient features they wanted.
“Generally, with the way the energy costs are going up in Connecticut especially, and the costs to build a green home have gone down, it made sense,” said Kishore Ranade.
The energy-efficient features include triple-glazed panels from Ireland to better insulate the house and a heating and cooling system that pulls heat from the outside air in the winter and pushes heat out in the summer. Another mechanism transfers heat from outgoing stale air to the incoming fresh air, lowering heating costs and improving air quality.
Trolle said creating a strong thermal envelope is the most important goal, because it keeps the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer with less energy. This is accomplished with a thicker and continuous insulation to prevent accidental air leaks.
Once the decision was made to rebuild, the couple worked with Trolle and Elizabeth DiSalvo, of Trillium Architects, to determine which methods and designs worked for them. Mala Ranade drew on her experience as an artist to help determine the layout.
“We got an education; we didn’t just get the products,” Mala Ranade said. “It’s made a difference in how we feel about our home.”
The builders kept the original concrete foundation, but added insulation before building on top of the existing footprint, DiSalvo said.
Most of the living space, including the master bedroom, living room, office, dining room, kitchen and guest bathroom, is on the main level. The lower level has two bedrooms and a sitting area, as well as the control room that tracks how much solar energy is generated.
The Ranades said they’ve seen the difference the green technology has on their energy bills and lifestyle.
Kishore Ranade said they were paid about $6,000 annually on energy at their previous Ridgefield home, which is similar in size. He said the technology in the new home isn’t common in the U.S., Europeans have been using it for years.
“It’s not something exotic, mysterious or expensive,” he said. “For me, it’s the obvious way to go.”
“It really is very easy,” Mala Ranade said. “Once you learn the technology, it’s not like you have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out the bells and whistles.”
kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345
