GeoSolar Exchange – The Green Energy Duo of the Future

Combining GeoExchange and Solar Power for a Net Zero Home

“Attacking the global warming issue isn’t a single silver bullet solution, it’s relentlessly pursuing better solutions.” – Doug Lockhart, Owner, Lockhart Industries.

GeoSolar Exchange is the combination of two of the world’s cleanest and greenest sources of energy: GeoExchange and Solar.

Let’s first take a look at each of these clean energy producing systems separately.

What is GeoExchange?

GeoExchange is a type of heating and cooling system that works by drawing heat from one source (the earth or a body of water) and, by way of a (geo)heat pump, transporting it to another.

The earth absorbs 50% of the sun’s energy. That energy is stored below ground and we can tap into it all year round to heat (and cool!) our homes. Rather than using traditional methods to heat your home (furnace, boiler, electric baseboard, wood stove) it’s a green way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature using passive energy with no emissions.

A GeoExchange system is made of three main components:

1. Ground Heat Exchanger (GHX): Made of polyethylene pipe, it can be used vertically or horizontally underground, or it can tap into water sources such as the ocean or a pond or lake as a closed or open loop system. Aquifers are a good candidate for an open loop system.
2. Ground Source Heat Pump: This is used to control the temperature output. The really nice thing about this type of heat pump is that it’s located securely within the building. This means there’s no noise pollution like you’d have with a typical heat pump that’s installed outdoors which contributes to its longer 30 year lifespan.
3. Distribution System: This is, of course, how heating and cooling is distributed throughout the building through centralized ducting and water lines. Depending on how it’s distributed, GeoExchange can also be used to create a designated hot water system.

5 Main Benefits of GeoExchange Systems

1. Low- temperature geothermal energy keeps the home at a steady, comfortable temperature
2. Running a geoexchange system is up to 85% cheaper than using fossil fuels
3. Can be combined to create forced air and in-floor heating, for ultimate comfort
4. Can pre-heat about 60% of domestic hot water needs
5. No yard space is sacrificed. Develop a flower garden, veggies, even fruit trees on top of your in-ground loop

What is Solar Energy?

Rapidly becoming more accessible than ever, solar energy is what we get when we harness the energy from direct sunlight. The most common way that we capture this solar energy is with photovoltaic cells (PV) arranged within solar panels. The materials used within the cells absorb light particles (photons) to generate electricity (electrons).

The majority of the time, solar panels are installed at the highest point of a building, usually the rooftop. This lets the panels absorb the maximum amount of natural light. Solar energy is a true source of renewable energy and is used to generate electricity to power both commercial and residential buildings. In some cases, solar panels can be used in conjunction with battery storage systems.

5 Main Benefits of Solar Energy

1. Has diverse applications. This form of energy can be used to generate electricity, heat, or both
2. Saves on utility costs
3. Low Maintenance. Because there are no moving parts, solar panels have a life span of 30+ years
4. Constantly advancing technology. Innovations see solar panel technology constantly improving, with the potential to generate double or even triple the electrical input
5. Versatile installation, can be installed in remote off-grid areas

Solar and GeoExchange – Cleaner, Greener and Stronger Together

Take everything you just learned about Solar and GeoExchange and you’ve got GeoSolar Exchange! The ultimate green solution, GeoSolar provides electricity via solar power and heating / cooling via the in-ground loop(s).

It’s a highly reliable hybrid solution and an innovative way to step away from the use of fossil fuels, for good. This system can be implemented with new and existing construction, pushing any home to NetZero status.

Top 5 Benefits of a GeoSolar System

1. Combines indirect solar energy from the ground (ocean, lake, pond) and direct solar energy from the sun
2. Running a GeoSolar system is 100% cheaper than creating heat and energy using fossil fuels. All the energy (power) for the heat pump comes from solar (1/6^th) and the ground (5/6^th). That means no Utility Bill!
3. Can provide up to 100% of your home’s plug load energy needs for $0
4. Completely emission-free operation, 24/7
5. Increases the overall value of your home and appeals to potential buyers

What is Net Zero Status?

According to the World Green Building Council, a Net Zero building is a building that is highly energy efficient and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy. In layman’s terms, a Net Zero house produces as much energy (or more energy) than it needs to run in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible. With a Net Zero home, every part of the house works together to provide the most comfortable and relaxing environment possible, with steady temperatures, superior ventilation, efficient water systems and better insulation. If you’re conscious about your carbon footprint and your energy bills as the cost of living continues to increase, consider aiming for Net Zero status.

Pad Your Savings Account with a GeoSolar System

Using a GeoSolar system translates to huge long-term savings on energy bills.

Is a GeoSolar system on your wish list? At Lockhart Industries, we know that the initial cost of installation can be intimidating. Rest assured that these units can be financed with FinanceIt to break down that expense into manageable chunks. What’s more, once your system is up and running, the savings in hydro and gas costs can go towards payments for the system instead. You’ll also get to avoid future increases in energy costs, which could add up to be even more than estimated.

Over time, these savings create an excellent return on investment (ROI.) These long-term savings can also be banked for your big long-term goals, like travel, retirement or post-secondary tuition costs for the kids.

In fact, according to owner Doug Lockhart, “By the end of its life expectancy (about 30 years) you’ll have anywhere from $140,000-$540,000 respectively in savings, depending on your home size and energy needs for a 2000-7000 sq ft home.“

In addition, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers an incentive for building or renovating for greater energy efficiency. If you’re building a new home or renovating an existing home, you may be eligible for a partial refund of up to 25% on your mortgage loan insurance. Offered by CMHC Green Home, you can apply for the refund here.

A leader and innovator in the green energy field, Lockhart Industries Ltd has been pioneering GeoExchange solutions from Duncan to Victoria for over 45 years. We’re aiming to transform Island homes to NetZero status using GeoSolar systems. In this way, we can help homeowners not only reduce their carbon footprints, but significantly lower their overall cost of living. To learn more or schedule an in-home consultation, call or email today to discuss how we can make your home work for you in the most energy-efficient way possible.