Designed around FIT goals, to ICC International Building Code 2009 and to be LEED Platinum, the project has developed several strategies to make the project as passive and as sustainable as possible.

HOK’s design solution is a three-story, L-shaped structure to serve as the main building on the site. Kitchen, dining, an open multipurpose area and administration space will be located on the first floor, with counseling and lodging for children, staff and guests on the floors above.

A separate, two-story block will house administrative offices and a training area. The building is organized around a central courtyard, the focus of social life, and is flanked by kitchen, dining and training spaces.

The design responds to the dense urban condition and prevailing westerly trade winds by organizing all of the spaces, one room thick in a cupping form (like a catcher’s mitt) facing east. The rooms have a tall aspect ratio, and will have ceiling fans to provide comfort during warm and humid still-air nights.

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Project Haiti

There are a number of variables that impact ROI.  Some are apparent, others are not so apparent in the initial analysis.  The apparent variables include energy production, engineering design services, permits, cost of equipment, material costs, install labor and ongoing maintenance, as well as financial incentives.  The not so apparent variables include the Solar Integrator’s risk exposure to installing and warrantying equipment that may fail to perform and/or cause an unforeseen electrical failure incident.  These situations can be characterized as “shared risk” with the client and may result in injury and serve property damage.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has developed a comprehensive Job Task Analysis list which details each of the process steps for the specification, installation, and maintenance of PV systems.  This list is very useful in analyzing the ROI variables associated with selling and installing solar pv systems.

For example, consider tasks related to designing the system.  Once you complete a site survey, you begin the process of determining the type of solar panel, mounting system and inverter configuration you intend to use.  In addition, you must consider the electrical interconnection and National Electric Code.  This portion of the design process involves a significant amount of time since you are contacting various manufacturers or distributors, which impacts your cost.  Integrated system designs, such as RAIS® Wave reduce this time component.  A Solar Integrator who selects equipment and builds a system, becomes responsible for the warranty and liability of the “system.” This is your risk.  The individual equipment manufacturers warranty their equipment, but not as a complete system.

A manufacturer who offers a complete system, as solution, can enable the Solar Integrator to optimize the ROI variables and mitigate risk.  The tenKsolar RAIS® Wave solution offers a better approach to addressing these issues.  The result, you are more competitive and can grow a profitable commercial solar pv business.

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75 KW System Travois Kansas City, MO

Solar Design Studio (SDS) specializes in the design and application of innovative solar energy technology solutions.  With more than 9 years of solar energy industry expertise, we have had the honor to participate in a number of LEED Projects, which have earned Platinum or Gold Certifications.  The Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA) recognized Bob Solger, SDS Managing Principal, with the Solar Pioneer Award for “Visionary Leadership and Dedication.”  We provide business and engineering consulting services to companies who are engaged in the solar energy industry.  We provide business development, marketing and solar project financial analysis consulting services to solar integrators and manufacturing companies who desire to expand their business within the North American market.  We also provide design, engineering and training consulting services to architects, engineering firms, building owners, developers, managers, schools and universities, and private clients who are engaged in implementing solar energy solutions.  All services are provided by a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified professional.  We specialize in the following:

• Solar Photovoltaics

• Solar Lighting

• Solar Hot Water for domestic and space heating

• Solar Air Cooling

• Solar Air Heating

We offer consulting services  regarding renewable energy policy and market development to businesses, government, utilities and advocacy organizations. Our training programs offer others the opportunity to develop the practical knowledge of how to apply and justify solar technologies. As a consulting firm, we only focus on our client’s needs and requirements. For our business clients we serve as your “trusted advisor.” This approach enables us to provide you with unbiased information regarding system performances and financing options from which to make an informed decision concerning how to move forward with a solar solution.