|
Al Nichols Engineering, Inc. Live and Work Facility Virtual Tour |
|
In the courtyard, you will find our garden fed nitrogen rich rainwater from our collection cistern. It will fill from our roof to its 750 gallon capacity with a 1" rainfall. Overflow is directed off the property if the garden becomes oversaturated. |
|
Rainwater and grey water from our upstairs hand-sinks and showers can be directed to different parts of the yard using these valves. Though these systems require some maintenance, for a gardener it is part of the fun, and for the environment it is quickly becoming a necessity. |
|
Though it may seem like a simple "creature comfort," our instant hot water system actually saves energy by bringing the hot water circulation loop to within 12" of each fixture. This minimizes line-losses and wait times to maximize energy and water savings. This system uses solar too! |
|
Moving out to the alley (where the majority of Civano garages are kept) you can see our 2 kilowatt solar array that provides a large percentage of the energy required to operate Mr. Nichols' home and office. Mr. Nichols receives a reduced electric rate because he agreed to give back extra energy produced by his solar panels. |
|
Notice the three electrical meters. One for the Office, one for the home, and one showing the output of the PV array. We never worry when there is too much sun here at ANE! |
|
Rainwater supplemented garden/retention basin |
|
The cistern! Our "Camel's Hump" |
|
Solar Heated Water on a Circulation Pump and Timer |