Alternative Technologies

For the ultimate in sustainable design, Calvert-Jones can show you how to use alternative energy technologies to drastically reduce your dependence on the power companies and their non-renewable resources. These technologies connect and power your facility with systems that take advantage of abundant renewable resources. Consult Calvert-Jones about the following exciting alternative technologies:

Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic is the term for solar power technology that uses solar cells or solar photovoltaic arrays to convert light from the sun directly into electricity. Called PV for short, these systems generate usable electricity so that you can be less tied to the power lines and improve your bottom line. In some instances, energy can be sold back to the grid for a profit. This energy is clean both in terms of pollution reduction and reliability. At a growth rate of over 48 percent per year, this alternative energy source is the fastest growing, most established alternative energy technology on the market.

Solar Thermal
Solar thermal technology defines systems that harness solar energy for heat rather than electricity. This is very different from solar photovoltaic. Solar thermal collectors are categorized by the U.S. Energy Information Agency as low, medium, or high temperature collectors. The higher the required heat load, the higher temperature collectors are used. Utilizing only 1 percent of the earth’s deserts to produce clean, solar electric energy would provide more electricity than is currently produced on the entire planet by fossil fuels.

Geothermal
Geothermal technologies use the earth’s resources to heat and cool your facility, without the dangers of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Just below the surface of the earth, the temperature is consistently comfortable year-round. Geothermal technologies use these thermal attributes to keep your facility comfortable without the same dependence on outside energy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems average 40 percent greater efficiency than air-source heat pumps, 48 percent greater efficiency than natural gas furnaces, and 75 percent greater efficiency than oil-burning furnaces. In addition to energy savings, your business benefits from lower maintenance costs, more usable space, and better comfort for employees and customers. These systems have a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years.

Contact Calvert-Jones for more information on alternative technologies for sustainable design.