Rural Clear Lake home will be nation’s first sub-$200,000 zero energy residence

(Above) Representatives of EPS, of Graettinger, Iowa, along with contractors, dealers and industry representatives from many states, watched and participated in the construction of Gregg Bacon’s rural Clear Lake home last week.-Reporter photo.

by Marianne Morf

The only thing worse than a bitterly cold winter is the heat bill that comes along with it.  But that’s something that Gregg Bacon can forget about.

Bacon is building the nation’s first solar-powered, sub-$200,000 home in rural Clear Lake.  When it is complete, he can expect a token power access charge from Alliant Energy each month of less than $15.  The same will hold true when the temperatures soar in the summer and air-conditioners are running on high.

Bacon, who owns SunRackSolar in Clear Lake and is the founder/president of Equinox Energy Homes, said he has been intrigued by alternative energy sources for many years and through his contacts within the solar industry and his own studies, he learned about the SIPS (Structurally Integrated Panel System) of building.  Further research led him to EPS, of Graettinger, Iowa, a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered building components.  EPS can manufacture SIP panels in different variations to accommodate the home design and desired R-Value the homeowner wants.  The SIPS Panel system is also two and one-half times stronger that traditional stick-built using 2x6 lumber.

The unique foam panels used for perimeter SIPS walls provides an R-factor of 26, which helps to contribute to an overall Home Energy Rating System (H.E.R.S.) Index— the industry standard rating system by which a home’s energy efficiency is measure, of 4.  The typical H.E.R.S. Index rating for a home is 60.

“There are 20,000 to 30,000 homes built like this each year, but this is the first sub-$200,000 home using solar, according to the Department of Energy,” said Bacon.  “And that sub-$200,000 price includes $18,000 in solar panels.”

Another benefit of SIPS homes is the speed

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at which the house can be framed.  Bacon and EPS invited contractors, dealers and industry representatives from many states to watch and take part in the assembly of his new Clear Lake home.  Those attending had a chance to not only see the process of using SIPS panels, but understand how all of the energy-saving measures come together to produce a home which can function normally off of the power grid.  All of its energy will be produced by its 24 solar panels.  The solar system has a life expectancy of 40 years, Bacon noted. The south side of the home will have a steel roof to support solar panels, while the remainder will have asphalt shingles.

“A normal house takes about two to three weeks to frame.  This one takes two to three days,” explained Bacon.  “It’s a lot of measure and chalk and measure and chalk, but it goes together very quickly.”

In a matter of days the three-bedroom, three-bath home, with 1,500 square feet of living space on the main floor and 900 upstairs, was completely framed on the 30x50 concrete foundation.  Bacon noted that in lieu of a basement which would serve as a tornado or storm shelter, one of the closets is being built to tornado safety specifications.

The foam construction of the SIPS panels also makes the home more sound-proof, which Bacon said he appreciates at this location due to the close proximity of Interstate 35.

The interior and exterior of SIP homes can be finished in a variety of ways, including drywall, vinyl siding or brick.  Bacon said the finishes of his energy efficient home, including Andersen Windows, come from local suppliers.  He also plans to install a high efficiency fire place as a back up system in the event electricity is lost.  The fireplace could be run with propane.   

The home is also completely handicap accessible.

And as if having virtually no energy costs wasn’t enough of a reward for building his SIPS house, Bacon said he will receive approximately $9,000 in state and federal tax credits, along with more than $5,000 from Alliant Energy by pre-registering for its cash rewards for new construction program.

The public can look forward to open houses at the new home once it is complete.  Among those already planning to attend are representatives of the Governor’s Energy Council.

To take a look at the home in progress, drive by 2508 S. 32nd St.  That is approximately two-miles south of Kum & Go South, Clear Lake.

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