Janet Chapman wanted to build a new home that included solar thermal radiant floor heating, solar hot water and straw bale construction - not something the average home builder in the Kansas City area has done before. 

Solar Panels on the Chapman Home

She was thrilled to find Greg Rothers at Rothers Design/Build .  Greg had experience with straw bale construction and had previously partnered with The Energy Savings Store on solar projects.  

Together, we built radiant-heated floors using solar energy and a solar hot water system. The water piped through the concrete floors is heated by 4 Heliodyne solar panel collectors mounted on the south wall of a detached garage.  The pre-heated water is stored in two tanks. Janet also uses it  for normal domestic hot water purposes. 

“We appreciate Greg partnering with us early in the process,” says Bob Solger, Proprietor of The Energy Savings Store (TESS).  “Many clients considering building a green home often come to us first and Greg is one of the builders we recommend because of our collaborative relationship.” 

Jim Kostucik, with Redstone Homes, is another builder assisted by TESS when a client was interested in using thin-film solar panels on a metal roof in Stillwell, KS.  “Involving us early in the design process can avoid problems and delays later on,” says Bob.  “Our engineering team and experience  can help builders wade through the enormous amount of information about wind turbines (windmills) and solar panels.”