Solar Power: Beautiful and Functional for Colorado Family’s Home
When the Halles asked Real Goods to design a solar system that would maintain their home’s aesthetic appeal, they not only got a solar system that was functional and aesthetically pleasing, but Real Goods took care of the paperwork for them.
When it came time for Suzie and Richard Halle to consider a solar system that fit the design of their new home in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, their criteria was multifaceted. A former House Beautiful magazine employee and eco-conscious mother of three, Suzie has a design sensibility, and it was important to her that their solar system met her standards for beauty, purpose and function.
Rather than looking at solar as an all-or-nothing proposition, the Halles considered options that dovetailed with their “Not So Big House” design, their eye for aesthetics, and their commitment to low-impact living.
“We had the perfect spot in our building plans,” says Suzie. “Our horse barn had a 4:12 pitch and great exposure, so I asked the guys at Real Goods to propose what would fit on that roof and how many kilowatt-hours it would generate. That extra power would supplement our geothermal heating system.”
Real Goods designed a complete turnkey system for the Halles and offered the Halle family an unexpected service (in addition to the installation) that its competitors did not offer. “I talked with three solar companies but went with Real Goods because they were able to take care of Colorado’s Amendment 37 paperwork,” Suzie says. “That reduced our out-of pocket cost significantly.”
The Halles achieved their desire for a green home that feels spacious and generous through the design of long axis views and dual-purpose rooms, rather than a large footprint. Their use of reclaimed wide-plank flooring, VOC-free adhesives, recycled newspaper insulation and salvaged 1950s hardware prove that thoughtful planning and green choices can create — and evolve the definition of — a beautiful house.
