- What is the Marshfield Energy Challenge?
- How do I participate in the Challenge for my Marshfield residence and what will happen?
- How do I participate in the Challenge for my Marshfield business and what will happen?
- What are electric solar photovoltaics (PV) and how do they work?
- What is a "Smart Thermostat" and how does it work?
- Why Marshfield?
- Is financing available?
|
|
 |
What is the Marshfield Energy Challenge?
The Marshfield Energy challenge is an NSTAR pilot program,
co-sponsored by the
Mass Tech Collaborative (the
commonwealth’s renewable energy
development agency), designed to explore a shift in focus away
from the traditional means of meeting growing demand (building
new power plants, upgrading substations) to a new way of doing
more with less (energy efficiency, demand response, and
renewable generation).
The Challenge is offering generous incentives for the installation of energy efficient measures, solar electric photovoltaic panels and smart thermostats to all NSTAR customers in Marshfield.
How do I participate in the Challenge for my
Marshfield residence and what will happen?
The first step to participate is to call 866-626-4693 to
schedule a home energy assessment.
During the energy assessment a trained energy specialist from CSG will assess your home with specific focus on the building's mechanical systems and thermal envelope (insulation and air infiltration/exfiltration) to identify cost-effective energy efficiency improvement and/or replacement opportunities.
Your energy specialist will then provide you with a report detailing these site-specific recommendations. You will also be provided with information on any available NSTAR incentives and rebates for the recommended energy efficiency improvements along with information on the next steps to implement those recommendations.
In addition, the auditor will determine your home’s suitability for solar electric photovoltaic panels (PV) by examining your roof condition and orientation and property shading. If the site is suitable for PV and you have an interest, groSolar, the PV installer for the Challenge, conduct a more detailed home examination and provide a price proposal
If you have central air-conditioning, the Challenge has a special package offering. We will offer insulation, air-sealing, a central AC unit tune-up, and a Smart Thermostat installation at no cost.
How do I participate in the Challenge for my Marshfield
business and what will happen?
The first step to participate is to call 866-626-4693 to
schedule a visit to your business for an energy assessment.
RISE Engineering, under contract with NSTAR Electric to provide these services, will arrange for a free on site energy analysis of your facility. Looking at the building’s lighting and mechanical systems, we will identify opportunities that will help save on energy and maintenance costs.
Our findings will be presented in a report which outlines the recommendations, costs, and the savings you can expect through the installation of premium efficiency lighting, occupancy controls, Smart Thermostats and other energy saving improvements.
In addition, the auditor will determine your site suitability for solar electric photovoltaic panels (PV) by examining your roof condition and orientation and property shading. If the site is suitable for PV and you have an interest, groSolar, the PV installer for the Challenge, will call on you to conduct a more detailed site examination and provide a price proposal.
The Challenge has a special package offering for your split system or rooftop air-conditioning. We will offer a central AC unit tune-up and a Smart Thermostat installation at no cost.
What are electric solar photovoltaics (PV) and how do they
work?
Solar panels mounted on the
unshaded, southern portion of your roof convert the sun’s
energy to electrical energy. This electricity is then converted
to useful power for direct use in your home. Any excess solar
electricity not needed in your home flows back through the
meter, reducing your electric utility cost. This helps supply
your community with clean, efficient, renewable energy. The
US Department of Energy has extensive information on solar
technology.
What is a "Smart Thermostat" and how does it work?
You can set the Smart Thermostat to provide cooling to your
home only when you need it, permitting the temperature to
increase when you are away and beginning cooling early enough to
ensure comfort upon your return. There is no guess-work to
determine the length of time needed to arrive at your desired
temperature. You select the temperature and the time you want
your home to be at that temperature, and the thermostat does the
rest- determining the ramp-up time.
In addition, on select hot summer days when electricity demand is high in Marshfield, a signal is sent to activate the device, which then cycles the compressor in the outdoor condensing unit to run about half as long as it did in the previous hour. The cycling continues for the duration of the high use period, usually a few hours.
This may occur on a limited number of summer days and helps the town of Marshfield, together with NSTAR Electric, manage electricity demand more efficiently. With smart cycling, you can expect an approximate 1 to 3 degree increase in room temperature during an activation period. Most occupants don’t notice a change in the comfort level. If desired, the cycling can be overridden.
The Smart Thermostat is also compatible with heating systems. If your air conditioning thermostat also controls your heat, the Smart Thermostat will also intelligently control your heating system, thus increasing your savings.
Why Marshfield?
Marshfield was selected because
it’s a growing community with growing demand. Both its circuit
configuration and environmental commitment make Marshfield an
ideal candidate for this pilot program.
NSTAR and the MTC will invest in renewable energy, electric energy efficiency and smart thermostats in Marshfield through 2009.
Is financing available?
Favorable home equity financing is available from Rockland
Trust for financing electric solar panels. In addition, 0
percent
financing is available for air-sealing and insulation services
provided through the Marshfield Energy Challenge.
|
|
