This Old House Hour Season 17 Episode 7 Powering Net Zerol Concrete Walkway

In season 17 episode 7 of This Old House Hour, the team takes on a unique challenge of powering a concrete walkway with a net zero energy system. The episode begins with a tour of a contemporary home that embodies the net zero energy concept. The homeowners have incorporated renewable energy technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, and an energy recovery ventilator, to make their home self-sufficient in terms of energy usage.

Next, the team takes on the challenge of installing a net zero energy system for a concrete walkway located on the property. The objective is to install a system that generates energy from solar panels during the day, stores it in batteries, and uses it to power LED lights embedded in the walkway at night. The system must be able to store enough energy to power the lights throughout the night, ensuring that the walkway is well lit and safe to use.

The team begins by excavating the area where the walkway is to be constructed and preparing the base for the concrete. They then install a network of electrical conduits and wiring, which will be used to power the LED lights. Once the wiring is in place, they pour and finish the concrete walkway.

Next, the team installs the solar panels and batteries. They choose high efficiency solar panels capable of generating sufficient energy to power the LED lights. The batteries are high capacity deep cycle batteries that are capable of storing the solar energy produced during the day. The team connects the solar panels to the batteries and install an inverter that converts the solar energy to AC power, which can be used to power the LED lights.

Finally, the team tests the system to ensure that it is working properly. They turn on the lights and confirm that they are receiving power from the batteries. They then observe the lights throughout the night, making sure they remain lit until the morning. The walkway now serves as a stunning example of how the net zero energy concept can be applied in a variety of applications.

The episode concludes with a brief recap of the net zero energy system and its various components. The benefits of using renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and battery storage, are highlighted. The team emphasizes that this innovative system is not only environmentally friendly, but also cost-effective over the long term. The episode serves as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the This Old House team, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in home construction and renovation.