1. GUIDEBOOK
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Noon - 4 p.m.
w w w . p g h s o l a r t o u r . o r g
Made possible with
support from:
The first furniture store
in the country to install
solar panels
2.
3. PennFuture is proud to, once again, host the fifth annual Pittsburgh Solar Tour. During
our annual solar tours, hundreds of people have discovered the power of the sun.
If you don’t know us, visit www.pennfuture.org to learn all about our great work on
energy, air, land, and water issues across Pennsylvania. At PennFuture, we believe
that clean energy, like solar energy, is an environmental victory that can grow the state
economy. From noon to 4:00 p.m. on October 17, you will be able to tour several solar
powered homes and businesses. Solar owners will open up their solar installations to
you, tell their stories, and detail why they decided to go solar.
New this year, PennFuture is also hosting a Solar Soiree for all solar owners and tour
participants following the tour from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kingsley Association, 6435
Frankstown Avenue. At the after party, you will be able to meet and mingle with
like-minded folks in the Pittsburgh area over free drinks and food. PennFuture
president and CEO, Larry Schweiger, and Kingsley Association executive director,
Malik Bankston, will be on hand for this special event. As an added bonus, guests will
be able to see and hear all about the Kingsley Association’s new solar installation.
The fifth annual Pittsburgh Solar Tour is sponsored by generous support from Levin
Furniture and presented by PennFuture in partnership with the Solar Unified Network
of Western PA (SUNWPA), Solarize Allegheny, and Pittsburgh Green Innovators.
• The event is self-guided.
• Use our guidebook or map to chart your tour. Stop by as many locations as you
can between noon and 4 p.m.
• The event is 100% free thanks to our generous sponsors advertised in this guide.
• You can find an interactive version of the tour map at www.pghsolartour.org
Forward
3
4. We are proud to sponsor the 2015 Pittsburgh Solar Tour!
SUNWPA is our region’s solar advocacy and networking organization. We are solar
installation companies, solar owners, non-profits and solar enthusiasts united in our
vision that solar– our most abundant energy resource– will be the dominant electricity
source within the next decade. Solar energy cleans our dirty air, fuels our cars,
reduces greenhouse gases and powers our homes and businesses with dependable,
pollution-free technology.
Join SUNWPA and help grow the solar movement.
www.sunwpa.org
SOLAR UNIFIED NETWORK OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
5. Tour LocationsSolar Tour Map
ctober 17, 2015
oon - 4 p.m. with a Solar Soiree to follow.
Pittsburgh Solar Tour Map
October 17, 2015
Noon - 4 p.m. with a Solar Soiree to follow.
olartour.org
ions
n Furniture
ance Gate Solar
re
Kraybill Castle
Taylor's Turf
& Emily's House
en's Homestead
a and Dan's Abode
y Heights Community
ment Program
nis's Den
negie Science Center
vale Community Library
McManigle Mansion
Sroufe's Setup
nkferd Farms Foods, Inc.
y & Clara's Lair
id & Cheryl's Chateau
e and Melody's Place
wrence & Dena's Dwelling
gsley Association
Solar Open
House
Featured
Location
After Party
Destination
Map Key
Visit
www.pghsolartour.org
to view an interactive
version of the map
A Levin Furniture....................................
B Renaissance Gate Solar Sculpture....
C The Kraybill Castle..............................
D The Taylor’s Turf.................................
E Mel & Emily’s House...........................
F Maren’s Homestead............................
G Alina & Dan’s Abode...........................
H Schenley Heights Community
Development Program.......................
I Dennis’s Den........................................
J Carnegie Science Center....................
K Millvale Community Library..............
L The McManigle Mansion...................
M The Sroufe’s Setup...............................
N Frankferd Farms Foods, Inc...............
O Larry & Clara’s Lair.............................
P David & Cheryl’s Chateau..................
Q Dave & Melody’s Place.......................
R Lawrence & Dena’s Dwelling.............
S The Kingsley Association...................
5
7
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13
14
15
16
17
18
18
19
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20
21
21
15
6. Solar Makes Sense
Solarize Allegheny is a community-supported campaign funded by the
Heinz Endowments and managed by non-profit organization SmartPower to
double the amount of solar energy throughout Allegheny County by making the
process of going solar transparent, trustworthy and simple.
Solarize Allegheny connects residents and businesses to local, pre-screened,
qualified solar installers who will offer competitive bids and guidance. Through
Solarize Allegheny, you can:
Find the best financing option for your situation, including no-
money down loans
Take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit before it expires
Get a free solar quote from at least two, pre-screened, qualified
installers by visiting:
www.SolarizeAllegheny.org
(just click on blue button - “Find Out if My Home is Good
for Solar” to get started)
7. Owner
Levin Furniture
Address
124 Levin Way
Monroeville, PA 15146
Installer
Solar Power Industries,
Inc.
Size
10 kW
7
ALevin Furniture
They’ve since installed solar on stores in Wexford and most
recently a 65 kW system in Mentor, Ohio.
Joining the company’s sustainability
initiative is a fleet of hybrid company
cars, a comprehensive Light Emitting
Diode (LED) lighting retrofit program,
and the diversion of over 1,815,708
pounds of waste from landfills.
Stop by their Monroeville location and
learn more about why Levin Furniture
has made solar part of their business
plan.
Levin Furniture’s sustainability initiatives don’t stop at solar. For the people behind the scenes at
this iconic western Pennsylvania furniture showroom, taking on energy costs - and the
environmental impact that comes with it - is part of the business culture. It’s also part of the
strategy to deliver high quality furniture at a lower cost to you.
http://www.levinfurniture.com/t-Proud-to-be-Green.aspx
Levin Furniture
installed solar
panels on the roof
of their Monroeville
store in the spring
of 2004, making
them the first solar-
powered furniture
store in the country.
8. 8
B Renaissance Gate
The solar artwork now provides clean electricity
to help offset the demand load of the Homewood
Renaissance Association facilities and provides a
unique cultural amenity for the community. It also
includes a personal phone charging station that can
be utilized by anyone in the neighborhood.
Art+Energy Camp 2015 was a dynamic partnership
between the Land Art Generator Initiative,
Conservation Consultants, Inc., and the Homewood
Renaissance Association. More information about
the camp can be found at http://artenergycamp.org
Renaissance
Gate is a solar
public art
piece
designed
by 20 youth
during the
Art+Energy
Camp 2015 in
Homewood.
This unique summer camp gave kids an education in energy
science, climate science, art, design, and solar power
installation. These experiences were then applied to benefit
the local community.
The campers designed a public artwork utilizing solar
panels to generate renewable energy. Seventeen
modules have been installed in an arrangement that
was conceived by the students with the principles of
the Land Art Generator Initiative in mind. They were
inspired by the shape of a violet flower and by
Japanese Torii gates. The concept of the artwork,
Renaissance Gate, is that those who pass under its
solar canopy will enter a new Homewood free from
fear and violence.
Owner
Land Art Generator
Initiative
Address
7230 Frankstown Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Installer
Underwood Solar
Future
Size
4.1 kW
9. 9
CThe Kraybill Castle
Kraybill and Yoder of the Thomas Blvd Group
manage six apartments in a converted mansion
in Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood.
Over the last seven years, Fred became
convinced that climate change is the greatest
crisis humans have ever faced. He believes
that citizens should work to reduce their
carbon footprint and must lobby political
leaders to take bold action to address climate
change. The Thomas Blvd Group installed
solar panels, purchased an electric car, and is
in the process of getting geothermal heating
to replace most of the building’s natural gas
heat. They view these measures as a clean
energy investment and also a divestment from
the coal, oil, and gas industry.
Owner
Fred Kraybill &
Brad Yoder
Address
7211 Thomas Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
11 kW (ground)
7.82 kW (roof)
10. Pittsburgh’s most experienced solar company
with over 220 local installations totaling over
3.2MEGA watts of electricity
Neighborhood/Group discounts available
Don’t miss out on the 30% federal tax
credit which is set to expire in 2016
100% American made panels,
no subcontractors,
highest quality array available
11. 11
The Taylor’s Turf
Mel & Emily’s House
D
E
The Taylor’s 15 Sunpower panels (345W
each) cover approximately 85 percent of their
electricity consumption, even though the roof
orientation was not ideal. The couple is proud
to report that the installation, completed in
May 2015, was easy and their array has been
working problem-free.
Mel Packer and Emily DeFerrari have a 4.32 kW 16 panel array
in Point Breeze. You’ll need to stand uphill in the street to get a
great view of their solar panels.
Utilizing both federal and state credits, going solar was made
more affordable. The homeowners say that reducing their
envronmental impact was the right thing to do in terms of their
personal and political commitment for environmental justice.
Owner
Louise & John Taylor
Address
7121 Willard St
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
5.175 kW (roof)
Owner
Mel Packer & Emily
DeFerrari
Address
623 Kirtland St
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
4.32 kW (roof)
12. 12
F Maren’s Homestead
Maren’s 16 panels (185W each) are mounted on a ballasted
racking system and nestled in amongst a productive roof
garden.
The panels are grid-tied so that excess power on sunny days
can be used locally by neighbors, avoiding transmission
losses. The Enphase micro inverters enable Maren to monitor
the performance of each panel. So far, they have offset
upwards of nine tons of carbon dioxide relative to coal
generation.
During a visit, tour goers can learn about the other green
features of the home and the permaculture landscape shared
with friends and family:
• A creative renovation/addition that utilizes local wood
and stone, recycled, reused, and salvaged materials
• A masonry heater which uses modern carbon to help
heat the house
• Copious insulation of many types
• Passive solar design
• Rainwater harvesting and storm
water diversion using a rain
garden, pond, and rain barrels
• Organic vegetable, herb, and fruit
production both in the ground and
on the roof
• Shiitake cultivation
• Composting
Owner
Maren Cooke
Address
6745 Forest Glen Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Installer
Frequency Electric via
Standard Solar
Size
2.96 kW (roof)
13. Owner
Size
Installer
Address
13
The installation by Scalo Solar took two days and was problem
free. The panels were “turned on” May 20, 2015. The Keeblers
thought that Phil Long, the Scalo Solar Engineer, was
knowledgeable, accommodating and a pleasure to work with.
It took several months for Duquesne Light to sort out billing, but
the issue has since been resolved. The family only pays a monthly
service charge of approximately $13. The solar panel output
exceeds their electricity needs, and they are reimbursed for
excess production annually. However, the reimbursement is at a
lower rate than the market rate. In the near future, the Keeblers
hope to use this excess power to run an electric car.
Alina & Dan’s Abode G
Net System Cost: $9,722
Size: 16 LG Panels
Projected Net 20-year Savings:
$18,849
Payback Period: 7.7 years
Projected % of Electricity Need Met:
133%
Growing
Solar From
the Hill
Look for this
icon through-
out the
guidebook!
Owner
Alina & Dan Keebler
Address
1023 Beechwood Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Installer
Scalo Solar
Size
4.48 kW (roof)
14. 14
H
Growing
Solar From
the Hill
Site 1
See
page 13 for more info
Owner
Pittsburgh Green
Innovators
Address
3711 Ewart Dr
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Installer
Hanner Electric &
Underwood Solar
Size
2.34 kW
Schenley Heights Community
Development Program
• The remaining useful life of the existing roof on the building is substantially less than the
anticipated life of the PV solar system, but the roof is not ready to be replaced.
• For educational purposes, the mount on top of the shipping container provides visual access to
students, but also places the panels at a safer height than a conventional ground mount.
• SHCDP paid to rent two storage pods on site for some of their outdoor equipment. The shipping
container not only provides a platform for the solar panels, but also replaces the storage pods
and results in added cost savings for the organization.
• With the acquisition of the former Madison School, SHCDP is developing future expansion
plans off-site. The shipping container system offers the flexibility to remain on-site or be moved
to a different location, if necessary, in the future.
• The sides of the shipping container are also
available as a canvas for the after-school
program artwork.
With the combination of its after-school programming
and its close proximity to Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12,
University Preparatory School, this site offers the
opportunity to engage students in understanding the
potential for solar power in Western Pennsylvania.
The educational impact of this project promises to be
much greater than just the electricity produced on-site.
In planning for the installation of solar panels at Schenley
Heights Community Development Program (SHCDP),
Pittsburgh Green Innovators worked with the organization’s
leaders to do two things. First, to assure that they were
getting the most benefit from the solar installation, they
engaged Conservation Consultants Inc., a local Southside-
based non-profit, to conduct an energy audit for the
facility. Second, they determined that a small scale
installation mounted on a 20-foot shipping container would
be advantageous for several reasons:
15. Owner
Size
Installer
Address
15
I
Owner
Dennis Tulenko
Address
99 South 9th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Installer
VOX Energy
Solutions
Size
2.7 kW (roof)
We are bringing together businesses,
government, organizations and residents
throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to
clean our air for healthier communities and
a stronger economy.
Dennis’s Den
This system generates enough power to cover about 60 percent
of the Tulenko’s electric needs, which includes whole house air
conditioning, standard home use, and an electric car (Chevy Volt).
Payback is about 6 years when considering total savings from the
Volt and solar panels. The installation cost was $12,000 in 2011.
By 2017, the homeowners estimate that the system will be paid
off and start putting $2,000 a year back in their pockets. The
Tulenkos are satisfied with their very low carbon footprint and
think that Pope Francis would be proud considering his new push
for a greener planet.
16. 16
J Carnegie Science Center
The educational component of this installation is unparalleled not just because of the overall
mission of the Carnegie Science Center, but because of the solar panels’ location on the roof above
the newly unveiled Fab Lab in the SportsWorks building.
The Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center and new mobile Fab Lab provide access to the tools and the
knowledge to educate, innovate and invent using technology and digital fabrication to allow users to
make (almost) anything. As part of a global network of more than 500 Fab Labs, the facility
welcomes people at all levels of experience to use equipment that includes 3-D printers, laser
cutters, ShopBot CNC milling machines, mini-mill/3-D scanners, sewing/embroidery machines,
projectors, and documentation cameras.
With plenty of room remaining on the SportsWorks roof for additional solar panels, Pittsburgh Green
Innovators and the Carnegie Science Center are already discussing ways to expand the system on-
site as well as potential options to add solar power to the mobile Fab Lab.
Although it is not feasible for the
public to see the panels firsthand, a
visit to the lobby of the Carnegie
Science Center’s SportsWorks
features an educational display with
the inverter and monitoring
equipment.
Growing
Solar From
the Hill
Site 2
See
page 13 for more info
Owner
Carnegie Science
Center
Address
CSC SportsWorks Bldg
One Allegheny Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
10.26 kW (roof)
17. 17
KMillvale Community Library
This community has not only built and maintained its own
library, but made sure their utility bills are stable and
predictable by equipping that library with solar energy.
Their solar plans don’t stop there. By working with partners
like Energy Independent Solutions, Green Mountain
Energy, and Evolve EA, Millvale is outlining a future where
they will become a self-reliant, urban solar village.
Keeping with this theme, the second annual Allegheny
Solar Fest was held in Millvale’s Riverfront Park on the
summer solstice this past June. They are also working to
promote the Allegheny Solar Cooperative, an inclusive way
for people to support solar power growth in western
Pennsylvania.
The 14.67 kW solar installation on the building generates
over 100 percent of all electricity needs for the Millvale
Community Library. Coupled with the 7.975 kW
installation on the adjacent library owned building, solar
not only generates revenue for the library, but also
provides clean, low cost electricity for the building’s
tenants. These installations empower this grassroots
library’s effort to redirect scarce funding that would
otherwise go towards utilities. Instead, it is better able to
increase public hours and access to services while
neutralizing the negative ecological effects from
non-renewable energy generation. Installation and design
by EIS was made possible with funding from The Heinz
Endowments, The Henry L. Hillman Foundation, and
Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club Program.
At this stop you can learn
more about the Allegheny
Solar Cooperative -- an
inclusive way for you to
support solar power growth
in Western Pennsylvania.
Solar power
is at the
center of
the Millvale
community
renaissance.
Owner
Millvale Community
Library
Address
213 Grant Avenue
Millvale, PA 15209
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
22.645 kW
18. 18
The McManigle MansionL
The Sroufe’s SetupM
The McManigles used an energy audit to guide their energy
efficieny choices. They installed full house insulation, solar
panels, and a new Energy Star roof on their 100 year old house
in August 2012. They’ll be happy to share the details of how their
gas bills have dropped by half and the solar panels cover about
75 percent of their annual usage.
The Sroufes wanted a small 2 kW
system to demonstrate the ability
to integrate solar into their home,
reduce energy costs, and have a
smarter approach to energy
management for their family. Living
within sight of the coal-fired
Cheswick power plant (rated by
the EPA as one of the top ten
worst polluting power plants in the U.S.), they wanted an
alternative energy source that didn’t contribute to poor air quality.
The remainder of their electricity is purchased from a 100 percent
renewable energy supplier.
In conjunction with solar, the Sroufes reduced their monthly
electricity consumption by 25 percent by reinsulating portions of
their home, finishing parts of their house with renewable materials,
and installing Energy Star appliances and all LED lighting. Their
3,000 square foot home uses less than 6 MW per year, roughly
half that of the average U.S. house.
Owner
Reed McManigle
Address
333 2nd St.
Aspinwall, PA 15215
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
5 kW (roof)
Owner
Robert Sroufe
Address
132 Riverwatch Drive
Blawnox, PA 15238
Installer
VOX Energy
Solutions
Size
2 kW (roof)
19. 19
Frankferd Farms Foods, Inc. N
Less than two weeks after the installation on Ferderber Farm
and Milling went online in June 2014, their salesperson asked
how the system was working. The positive response prompted
a discussion of solar for their business, Frankferd Farms Foods,
Inc. These folks were then able to pull together a grant
application in just one day that helped them purchase a 16 kW
system, professionally installed by EIS. Their west-facing roof
receives 91 percent sun and faces the road so that everyone
who drives by can see the system mounted on their organic food
business. Combining practicality and commitment to the
environment with this system, Frankferd Farms Foods invites
you to visit their warehouse store and Ferderber Farm and
Milling for organic specialties and locally-milled grains when you
stop by on the tour.
Larry & Clara’s Lair O
Larry Schweiger is
PennFuture’s president and
CEO. He was formerly the
president and CEO of the
National Wildlife Federation,
where he served as president
for 10 years and an additional
14 years as the federation’s senior vice president of conservation
programs and in other federation capacities. Under Schweiger’s
leadership, fighting climate change became the group’s top priority.
A July 26 Tribune Review article states, “Schweiger said he has
embraced solar and other renewable and low-carbon tools in his
home. ‘It’s time to help communities get there,’ he said. ‘I really
want to work at the community level to get people to embrace this
energy future.’”
Their detached system, installed in May, consists of 25 panels with
25 micro inverters which generate about 825 kWh per month.
Owner
Larry & Clara
Schweiger
Address
9922 LeGrand Drive
Wexford PA 15090
Installer
VOX Energy
Solutions
Size
~825 kWh per mo.
Owner
T. Lyle Ferderber
Address
717 Saxonburg Blvd
Saxonburg, PA 16056
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
16 kW (roof)
20. 20
David & Cheryl’s ChateauP
Dave & Melody’s PlaceQ
David and Cheryl are the proud owners of the only solar array in
Leet Township. They also utilize geothermal heating and
cooling.
The Blairs call their home
“the entire solar package.” It
is well insulated with passive
solar heat, has solar hot water
and an 8 kW grid connected
PV system. They sought to
prove that houses can be built
energy efficient and still fall
within the normal price range. The house scored a three on the
third-party Home Energy Rating System (HERS).
This home has been inspected
and performance tested in
accordance with Chapter 3 of
the RESNET standards.
TITLE
Company
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone #
101 South Louis Ct.
Monaca, PA 15061
Rater: Eric Gambal
Registry ID: 703714028
Annual Estimates*:
Gas(MCF): 26
C02 emissions(Tons): 0
Energy Savings ($)**: 3256
*Based on standard operating conditions
**Based on U.S. DOE designation of a HERS
Index of 130 as the 'Typical Existing Home'
3
The HERS Index is the
nationally recognized industry
standard by which a home’s
energy efficiency is measured.
The best HERS rating a home
can get is zero - meaning the
home produces all the energy
it needs to run its electricity.
A typical home built to the
2004 International Energy
Conservation Code is rated
as 100.
Owner
David & Cheryl
Goerman
Address
240 High Street Fair
Oaks, PA 15003
(Leet Township)
Installer
Direct Energy Solar
Size
8.14 kW (roof)
Owner
Dave & Melody Blair
Address
101 South Louis Ct
Monaca, PA 15061
Installer
Ecocraft Homes,
EIS Solar
Size
8 kW (roof)
21. Owner
Size
Installer
Address
21
Lawrence & Dena’s Dwelling R
When you ask Lawrence and Dena why they chose to go solar,
they’ll tell you that it is not about the payback. It’s about doing
what’s right. The couple not only believes in solar technology,
they have committed to sustainability in their commute by
driving a Nissan Leaf.
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Owner
Lawrence & Dena
Nader
Address
244 William Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
10.8 kW (ground)
22. 22
The Kingsley Association
The Kingsley Association has led
a movement in Larimer by asking
the community to imagine a green
future, create local sustaining
jobs, increase housing options,
secure healthy food, and develop
domestic energy sources that are
not dependent on fossil fuels.
The organization’s work in the area of community
development and sustainability encompasses leadership
and participation in various initiatives such as the Larimer
Consensus Group (LCG), the Larimer Green Team, and
the Larimer Vision to Action Plan Primary Planning Team
(LV2AP-PPT). The goal of this participation is to advance
the Larimer Vision Plan and to ensure that the Plan is, and
continues to be, a living document. The Kingsley Association
does regular outreach to the Larimer communities, partners
with organizations to bring pertinent programs and information to the neighborhood, and pursues
projects that will further the Larimer Vision.
The solar PV system on the gabled roof monitor above the swimming pool is prominently visible
from the corner of Frankstown Avenue and East Liberty Boulevard. The installation follows the
implementation of other “low hanging fruit” energy retrofits recommended by an energy audit
commissioned by Kingsley in 2014.
The Kingsley Association believes the solar panels on their
facility will further their ability to demonstrate to the community
how to implement green and sustainable practices in their own
lives. Beginning the process of powering the building with solar
energy specifically furthers The Kingsley Association’s
community education efforts in alternative energy options.
Growing
Solar From
the Hill
Site 3
See
page 13 for more info
Owner
The Kingsley
Association
Address
6435 Frankstown Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Installer
EIS Solar
Size
9.41 kW
23. You’re Invited!
Join us at the Solar Soiree following the open houses.
Meet and mingle with tour goers, tour hosts, and speak
to local solar tour installers.
You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from:
Malik Bankston
Executive Director, Kingsley Association
Larry Schweiger
President/CEO, PennFuture
Rich Fitzgerald
Allegheny County Executive
Thomas Bartnik
Executive Director, Pittsburgh Green Innovators
Sharon Pillar
Vice President, SmartPower/Solarize Allegheny
President, SUNWPA
Food and drinks will be provided.
Where:
The Kingsley Association
6435 Frankstown Ave
Pittsburgh PA, 15206
When:
5 to 7 P.M.
23
