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The
Sustainable House
3502 The Mall
Minnetonka, MN 55390
 
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When the Lytles remodeled The Sustainable
House, it became the highest-rated residence by the U.S. Green Building
Council (LEED), Minnesota GreenStar, and Energy Star Homes. This
1948 house in Minnetonka, Minnesota, has many energy efficiency
features, including four-foot overhangs, state-of-the-art mechanicals,
and renewable energy. Edible and decorative gardens are watered
with thousands of gallons of rainwater stored in underground tanks.
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500W grid-interactive solar
PV system with recycled modules |
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64-square-foot solar hot water system with
panels manufactured in Starbuck, MN |
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Ground-source heat pump and Honda Combined
Heat and Power (grid-interactive) furnace. |
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Many conservation measures
on the house and grounds |
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Thermal mass |
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Highly insulated walls and window wells |
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Triple-glazed, argon-filled, low-e windows |
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Winter-reflection patio pavers throwing
sun into glass doors |
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Natural lighting |
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Unique cross-ventilation systems |
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Permaculture, xeriscape landscaping |
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Any excess power required is provided by
wind farm energy |
Best Power Intl. LLC
Solar hot water payback is approximately 15
years; solar PV payback is more than 30 years
