Accurately predicting electrical loads is the biggest source of error in the design of battery-based solar pv systems and zero net energy homes. In this free lecture, Chris Calwell outlines best practices for predicting and measuring electrical loads in high performance buildings. Register for the free lecture here.

This presentation covers the subject of plug load energy-efficiency – the choices occupants make with regard to lighting, appliances, and consumer electronics in the home. You will glean priceless information about how to save hundreds of dollars towards lowering your (or your clients’) utility bills.

This video was part of a presentation series done for the Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA) Program in 2014. Registering for the free lecture gives you access to PDF copies of the presentation, access to a discussion form where other participants can discuss the presentation, and a quiz to test your comprehension.

About Chris Calwell

I focus on transformative changes to how and why we use energy. The constraints climate places on our fossil fuel use are fundamental and absolute, so I seek opportunities to utterly break our reliance on them through zero net energy buildings, renewable energy sources, efficient plug loads, and electric transportation options. In practice, this means finding alternatives to energy efficiency business as usual — new ways of measuring and specifying product energy consumption and performance, promoting and incentivizing the best performers, and ensuring products operate as efficiently as intended. I worked on climate change and energy efficiency technology and policy issues at NRDC’s San Francisco office from 1988 to 1995. I then moved to Durango, CO and co-founded Ecos Consulting in 1997, growing the firm from 4 to 180 employees when we sold it to Advantage IQ (now Ecova) in 2009. SInce that time, I have focused on designing and building my own ZNE home, investing in promising clean technologies, blogging about electric vehicles, teaching classes on zero net energy homes, and conducting research into energy efficient lighting and plug loads.

This free lecture is part of a webinar series inspired by the Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA)Program