OREGON, Ill. — While manufacturers continue to look at ways to make HVACR equipment as energy efficient as possible, just as much attention is being paid to finding ways to get that equipment off the electric grid and powered as much as possible by such alternative energy sources as solar, wind, photovoltaic (PV), and geothermal.
Places to find advancements in such nongrid options are the various energy and environmental fairs that are occurring more and more in many parts of the country. One such event this summer was the 10th Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainability Lifestyle Fair held in Oregon, Ill., about 100 miles west of Chicago. Educators, HVAC contractors, trade associations, manufacturers, and environmentalists were among those in attendance. The NEWS talked with a number of them specifically regarding the potential of HVACR equipment getting enough power from sources other than power grids or backup generators.