I want this in my house!

You don’t see this very often—a basement in California. Ed points out his thermal solar water heater, which harvests energy from the home’s passive solar energy system to heat water, reducing carbon emissions and costs.

In my wedgey sandals, I climbed a ladder to Ed’s roof (he was impressed) to see where his 8 kw of photovoltaic (PV) would be located. I was too captivated to take a photo but Meg got this obscure shot (GD Meg always looking for an interesting shot – we just assumed she was afraid of ladders/heights). The panels capture the sun’s energy using PV cells, which don’t require direct sunlight to work and provide cheap electricity. I experienced solar envy.

There’s also a water catchment drain on the roof, which will help capture rainwater to fill the 10,000 rainwater tank. So important with California’s drought! Speaking of water, Ed’s home will also have a grey water system (recycling gently used water from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines which can be reused for flushing toilets and garden irrigation). Low water fixtures will be installed throughout the home.

Here’s Ed out on one of the bedroom’s balconies in front of the huge oak tree that did not need to be removed. They will be planting drought tolerant garden and there’s a small lap pool in the works.

We look forward to visiting Ed’s green home when it’s finished! Thanks, Ed!

Bonus:

Listen to last year’s Earth Day special with Ed Begley. This will be updated soon with the 2015 Earth Day Show (which is airing today through next week at 11am and 6pm ET on GDGDRadio), which also features Ed. Can you tell he’s one of our fav green dudes?

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