Building Methods

Alternative Energy Systems

We at Semmes & Co. are constantly looking to offer greener, more energy-efficient options to our clients.

The State of California is currently offering sizeable rebates on several types renewable energy-generation systems, provided they tie into the grid and spin your meter backward when you produce more energy than you use.

The cost of the photovoltaic systems is dependant on your site – and how soon you put one in, as the percentage of the rebate is slowly diminishing.

SOLAR ELECTRICITY

If you are interested in a photovoltaic system for your home we suggest you act now while rebates are still available

One of our commitments to sustainable building is to promote the installation of solar electricity systems. Photovoltaic systems are becoming more efficient and more affordable. There are two basic methods for doing this. With a battery system, you make and store your own electricity. The major advantage is that you can be totally self sufficient and independent of a power company. The disadvantage is the extra expense and maintenance of the battery storage.

With a grid-tie system, the house remains connected to PG&E. You make the electricity the same way with photovoltaic cells, but instead of storing it in batteries, you sell the excess back to the power company. On rainy days, during the evening, or when your demand exceeds what you can produce, you buy what you need from PG&E. Normally, the use is averaged out over the course of the year.

PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING

Semmes & Co. has long been a leader in the field of passive solar. Passive solar heating and cooling elements are built in to the design of your house before construction begins. Capitalizing on the three components; orientation, insulation, and mass, we can design your house to be warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and keep your energy costs down.

MOBILE SOLAR GENERATOR

Semmes and Company now has the ability to build your house with power from the sun.  If you have not yet hooked up to PG&E, or if you are building an off-grid home, we can bring our mobile solar generator to your site and power all our electric tools with solar power. 

We are also building and selling custom solar generators to the public.  Contact Travis Semmes at travis@semmesco.com for more information.

SOLAR HOT WATER

Simple solar hot water collectors can be installed on the roof or nearby the house to heat your water with the sun and forgo those high gas bills.

HYDRONIC HEATING

We recommend hydronic heating systems in our concrete floors. Your whole house will radiate with warmth and your bare feet will enjoy the warm floor when you get up in the morning.