Hi, Everyone! For better or worse, Dan (Morrison) tossed us the keys to the blog, so we’re posting without a net, so to speak. Phil and I were very lucky to have a special guest for this episode: Pat Coon. Pat is co-founder of Revision Energy, and is well under way in starting a new company, Revision Heat. Pat brings to the podcast his in-depth knowledge of solar thermal design and installation, as well as his craft in home-brewing technology. Together, we discuss the logistics, benefits, and challenges of solar thermal design for the home.

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In this solar thermal podcast we cover:

• Different kinds of solar arrays: tubes and flat plates, and when and why you might use one or the other.
• Optimal installation angles and their relevance.
• How much solar do you install? How do you maximize efficiency?
• Should you take on space heating as well as domestic hot water?
• A great discussion about “return on investment,” NOT “payback,” AND how to talk to your client about it.
• What are some typical problems to avoid? (Such as air bubbles, stagnation, solar dumps, and leaks.)
• I share my six-digit idea, the “splash pot,” and Phil shares his solar tube trellis idea with Pat. Hot Zigg!

Then Phil leaves us with a song by the refreshingly unique Joanna Newsom.

We hope you enjoy the program.

Enjoy the previous episode of the Green Architects’ Lounge: “Architects Discuss Passive Solar Design.”