Each year, EcoHome’s sister publication Building Products assembles its annual Top 100 list, a ranking of the products that readers of Building Products, Custom Home, Builder, and Remodeling requested more information about by mailing in reader service cards found in each issue. As in year’s past, the Top 100 doesn’t contain many commodities, but rather those wares that are less familiar, new, or trendy. What was different, however, was the sheer number of green products—including solar panels, tankless water heaters, and resource-efficient materials—that came out on top. More than half of this year’s honorees offer properties that contribute to eco-friendly, durable, comfortable, and/or healthy homes.
Here are the 53 green products from this year’s Top 100.
#1 Endurance Wind Power. The Endurance S-250 wind turbine can be connected directly to the power grid without the need for an inverter. It has a power rating of 5 kWh and can match the energy requirements of average U.S. households that consume up to 18,000 kWh per year, the company says. A braking system and over-speed protection stop the rotors in cases of extreme high wind or fault conditions. 888.440.4451. www.endurancewindpower.com.
#2 Ready Solar. A prefab, modular solar electric system with frame mounting, Solar in a Box is sold off the shelf for an alternative to more expensive, custom photovoltaic systems. It comes with all components for easy installation with no adjustments needed, the company says, and includes Web-based monitoring. The pre-assembled system can be customized and is compatible with any roof surface. 650.299.9854. www.readysolar.com.
#3 Velux. Designed to replace or add to an existing water-heating system, the company’s solar hot water heating system can provide up to 100% of the demand for hot water heating, says the firm, with typically 80% of hot water needs coming from free solar power. The SRCC-certified solar energy roof collectors are designed to integrate well with roof lines, the company says, and they integrate seamlessly with roof windows. 800.888.3589. www.veluxusa.com.
#4 Takagi. The T-K3 tankless water heater is water efficient and space efficient. Measuring 13.8 inches wide and weighing 40 pounds, it can be recessed between two wall studs. Up to four units can be connected without needing an additional control box, giving the heater a maximum flow rate of 7 gallons per minute. It starts heating water at 0.5 gpm, not the usual 0.75 gpm, allowing users to get hot water faster at faucets with less water flow, the maker says. 866.356.9190. www.takagi.com.
#5 Sanyo. HIT Series photovoltaic panels for residential, grid-connected systems feature a proprietary hybrid of single crystalline silicon surrounded by ultra-thin, amorphous silicon layers to reach greater cell and module efficiencies. Panels measure 51.2 by 35.2 inches, achieve an STC maximum power rating of 180 to 205 W, and boast conversion efficiencies up to 17.4%. 469.362.5600. www.us.sanyo.com/solar.
#6 Uni-Solar. PVL-136 FlexLight is a flexible, lightweight, laminate PV panel that adheres directly to the roof finish without nullifying the roof’s warranty. The panel’s laminated design captures the complete solar spectrum more efficiently than traditional systems, says the manufacturer, to produce more electricity per watt; the top layer minimizes power loss when the panel is shaded. Each panel measures 216 by 15 1/2 inches, achieves an STC maximum power rating of 136 W, and is code-approved for use in Miami-Dade County, Fla. 248.475.0100. www.unisolar.com.
#7 Lighting Science Group. The company’s Edison-based LED lamps fit into traditional recessed cans and other sockets, and come in cool white as well as warm white and in narrow- and wide-beam distributions. Aluminum fins dissipate heat. The company says the lamps are more efficient than incandescents, halogens, and CFLs; their life span is eight to 25 times longer than halogens and incandescents and more than six times longer than CFLs. 877.999.5742. www.lsgc.com.
#8 Luma Resources. This residential roof-mounted solar kit uses thin-film PV technology and consists of 60 solar shingles, a DC-AC inverter, and all flashing and fastening components. Each interlocking shingle measures 51.125 by 15.625 inches and achieves an STC maximum power rating of 31 W. The system is designed to integrate with common horizontal roof shingle layouts. 888.733.5862. www.lumaresources.com.
#9 Sharp. Poly-crystalline modules feature a textured solar cell surface that increases light absorption and improves efficiency, while a bypass diode minimizes the power drops under shady conditions. The module achieves an STC maximum power rating of 187 W and a 12.7% conversion efficiency, and is designed for the company’s solar racking system. Sharp’s OnEnergy system offers custom designs and delivers a complete package of all components and fasteners. 800.765.
2706. www.sharpusa.com/solar.
#10 Kyocera. A trio of KD Series solar modules uses a larger and more powerful solar cell to deliver a higher output per module and achieve an STC maximum power rating of 135 to 205 W, depending on the model, says the firm. The MyGen Grid-tie Photovoltaic Power System offers a complete package of modules, inverter, wire and lightning protection, and mounting and mechanical support that hastens installation and meets most code and utility requirements. 800.223.9580. www.kyocerasolar.com.
#11 SunPower. SunTile roof tiles and solar panels provide a built-in look. The tile product suits S-shape and flat tile profiles; each panel measures 17 by 59 inches and achieves an STC power rating of 63 W. Panel-designed products integrate with various roof finishes, measuring 61.39 by 31.42 inches and achieving an STC maximum power rating of 210 W and a conversion efficiency of 16.9% per panel. The company’s solar cell technology delivers up to 50% more power than conventional cells and converts up to 22% of available sunlight into electricity. 877.787.6527. www.sunpowercorp.com.
#12 Akeena Solar. Andalay solar panels are all-black and feature built-in racking and built-in wiring for a smooth, flush appearance that resembles skylights. With 70% fewer parts and 25% fewer attachment points, the panels for a small house can be installed in less than an hour, the company says. These features also mean fewer penetrations in the roof and less opportunity for leaks and failure. 408.395.7774. www.andalay.net.
#13 Solatube. The Solar Star Conversion Kit boosts performance and lowers noise of existing attic fans. The Solar Star ventilator is powered by a 10-watt photovoltaic solar panel and features a high-performance brushless motor and five-wing injection-molded fan. The unit works continually to maintain low humidity and temperature levels, eliminate wintertime condensation, and keep attic heat from building up in the summer. It requires no electrical hookup. 888.765.2882. www.solatube.com.
#15 Evergreen Solar. ES-Series poly-crystalline solar panels feature String Ribbon wafer technology. The panel’s design consists of 108 polycrystalline silicon solar cells, anti-reflective tempered solar glass, EVA encapsulant, polymer backskin, and a double-walled anodized aluminum frame. Each panel measures 37.5 by 61.8 inches and weighs 40.1 pounds. Three panel options achieve an STC maximum power rating of 180 to 195 W. 508.357.2221. www.evergreensolar.com.
#16 GE. Available in indoor or outdoor models, these tankless gas water heaters measure 23 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, making them ideal for small spaces, such as attics and closets. Users can choose from two flow rates: a natural-gas 7.5-gpm model or a 9.4-gpm unit available in natural gas or LP gas. By heating water only when needed, the tankless units maintain efficiency ratings of 0.82, compared with 0.53 to 0.62 for standard water heaters, and can save homeowners up to 25% on water-heating costs annually, the manufacturer says. 800.626.2000. www.ge.com.
#17 Rinnai. The Tankless Heating System combines a tankless water heater with a hydronic air handler to deliver on-demand heat using the same source for both domestic hot water and space heating. For optimum heat output in both applications, a priority system temporarily shuts down the air handler during periods of high hot-water demand, preventing the unit from blowing cold air. 800.621.9419. www.foreverhotwater.com.
#18 Stiebel Eltron. The Tempra Tankless on-demand Electric Water Heater eliminates the standby heat losses associated with tank systems and reduces water-heating bills by 15% to 20%, says the firm. The compact unit’s microprocessor control allows exact temperature setting from 86 degrees F to 125 degrees F through a knob and a digital display. The heater has all-copper piping and heating elements. 800.582.8423. www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com.
#20 Heat Transfer. The Phoenix solar water heater combines domestic hot-water storage with a 97-percent-efficient, gas-fired backup in one unit. In addition, the unit features side tappings in the jacket that permit auxiliary connections to a hydro-air system for space heating. Made from stainless steel, the product incorporates a dedicated solar heat exchanger. 800.323.9651. www.htproducts.com.
#21 WaterSaver Technologies. The Aqus reservoir uses water draining from bathroom sinks to flush toilets, saving about 10 to 20 gallons per day in a two-person household, says the maker. Simple to install or retrofit, the system creates no change in the normal operation of the lavatory sink and toilet, and it requires minimal annual maintenance, the firm adds. 502.550.1506. www.watersavertech.com.
#23 Southwest Windpower. With built-in controls and inverter, the Skystream 3.7 residential wind generator has a 1.8-kW capacity. It is designed for use on properties measuring at least 0.5 acre with unobstructed views and an average wind speed of 10 mph. It is 42 feet tall. 928.779.9463. www.windenergy.com.
#24 MFM Building Products. Ideal for low-slope/low-pitch roofs, versatile Peel & Seal also solves waterproofing problems around chimneys, vents, ducts, skylights, and other irregular features. Composed of a patented laminate of aluminized foil, high-density polymer film, and a thick layer of rubberized asphalt, Peel & Seal is flexible, self-sealing, and energy efficient, and will not crack or dry out from exposure, the maker says. It is available in almond, granite gray, aluminum, or white. 740.622.2645. www.mfmbp.com.
#26 IceStone. IceStone surfaces are made with 100% recycled glass in a cement matrix. According to the firm, the product was the first durable surface in the world to receive McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry’s Cradle to Cradle certification. Suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, including kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities, and patio surfacing, IceStone is strong, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, the company says. Twenty-seven standard colors are available. 718.624.4900. www.icestone.biz.
#30 Nuheat. Compatible with the maker’s electric floor-warming mats, the Nuheat Cable System lets users extend radiant floor heating into intricate—even wet—spaces, including shower stalls, benches, saunas, and platforms. The 3/16-inch-thick components make for a minimal increase in floor height, and can be installed under tile, stone, marble, laminate, or engineered-wood floors. The system is energy-efficient, generating just 12 watts per square foot, and can be controlled using the maker’s programmable thermostats. 800.778.9276. www.nuheat.com.
#31 Maxxon. The company has introduced new green formulations for its underlayment materials. The Greenguard-certified, low-emissions products contribute minimal levels of pollutants to indoor environments, the maker says. The green product line includes Gyp-Crete 2000, Therma-Floor, Rapid Floor Plus, and Rapid Radiant. 800.356.7887. www.maxxon.com.
#32 Cooper Lighting. Halo dimmable compact fluorescent downlights are Energy Star-rated, and the 26- and 32-watt housings can now be dimmed from 15% to 100%. Halo lights meet California’s Title 24 energy-efficiency standards and include 5-inch and 6-inch new-construction and retrofit housings. The housings accept triple twin tube or double twin tube (quad) compact fluorescent lamps. 770.486.4800. www.haloltg.com.
#36 Huvco. The Parans fiber-optic skylight system collects sunlight through lenses on roof- or façade-mounted panels, then funnels the light through optical cables into luminaires. The system’s thin, flexible optical cables, which are routed through walls and ceilings, have high light transmission that allows sunlight to efficiently reach far into buildings, and the luminaires are designed to recreate the feeling of sunlight. 800.832.6116. www.huvco.com.
#37 Sylvania. Dulux EL CFL lamps come in a variety of wattages and types, from general purpose and directional to décor and specialty. This line of lamps includes the Micro Mini, the smallest CFL available, the company claims. The 13-watt version is approximately one-third smaller than the average mini-twist or mini-spiral CFL, the manufacturer says. This Energy Star-rated bulb can last up to 12,000 hours and saves homeowners up to 75% on energy costs over standard incandescent bulbs. 800.544.4828. www.sylvania.com.
#38 Insulspan. Consisting of solid one-piece pre-cut SIP units, the Insulspan Structural Insulated Panel System comes ready to assemble as wall, floor, or roof components, reducing construction time and improving efficiency, the company says. According to the firm, the system’s roof and wall assemblies offer a 40% to 60% reduction in heat loss and significantly reduce air leakage. 800.726.3510. www.insulspan.com.
#40 Kichler. Fixtures in the Design Pro series of LED undercabinet kitchen lighting are designed to last as long as 40,000 hours or 20 years. Special LED chips emit a soft, white light, the maker says, and the fixtures’ super-low profile of just 1/2 inch hides easily under any cabinet. Available in 6-, 12-, and 18-inch lengths of 4, 8, and 12 watts, respectively, the lights feature a snap-together design that allows for a seamless run of lights under multiple cabinets. 216.573.1000. www.kichler.com.
#42 Dri. With the same profile as a traditional S tile, the Solar S Tile module needs no additional roof penetrations or flashings to install. The product was designed with water-shedding functionality in mind, the maker says. 800.482.0347. www.dricompanies.com.
#44 Demilec. Sealection Agribalance is an open-cell, semi-rigid polyurethane spray foam for residential buildings that contains more than 20% renewable agriculture-based products (refined vegetable oils). The product creates a healthier, quieter, and more energy-efficient environment by providing a high R-value and sealing cracks, gaps, and voids in attics, walls, and ceilings, according to the manufacturer. 817.640.4900. www.sealection500.com.
#45 Premier Building Systems. Sandwiching expanded polystyrene between two layers of OSB, the maker says its SIPs offer a 55% higher whole-wall efficiency than traditional 2x6, R-19 construction. By creating a virtually airtight building envelope, the panels’ energy efficiency can lower homeowners’ expenses up to 60% and reduce necessary HVAC equipment size by as much as 40%, the maker says. 800.275.7086. www.pbssips.com.
#46 Supress Products. One layer of Supress Sound-Engineered Drywall provides the acoustical performance of up to eight layers of standard drywall, according to the manufacturer, making it ideal for a range of applications, including multifamily properties and home theaters. The panels require no special tools, finish like regular drywall, and can be installed over existing standard drywall with no demolition. Panels come in 1/2-, 5/8-, 3/4-, and 1-inch thicknesses. 800.456.4061. www.supressproducts.com.
#49 WinterPanel. The company offers SIPs in three panel types: StructureWall, CurtainWall, and PineClad. StructureWall panels, which replace studs and rafters, are twice as strong as a 2x4 wall, according to the firm. CurtainWall panels, ideal for timber-frame or metal-frame buildings, include an interior skin of gypsum for finishing. PineClad panels offer the benefits of StructureWall but with an interior finish of tongue-and-groove pine. Foam cores are available in expanded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate. 802.254.3435. www.winterpanel.com.
#51 Rheem. The manufacturer has added an intermediate-size gas water heater to its residential tankless line. Designed for single-family homes with two bathrooms, the RTG-53 provides up to 5.3 gallons of water per minute. It is available in indoor direct-vent, indoor power-vent, and outdoor versions. 866.720.2076. www.rheem.com.
#61 Universal Forest Products. The Latitudes white solar cap is a wireless, sun-powered light used to accent deck posts and fence posts with ambient lighting. The small solar collector on the cap rests on an LED fixture made of shatter-resistant glass. The solar lens, which becomes fully charged after a full day in the sun, is designed to absorb enough sunlight to provide subtle lighting in the dark. 877.463.8379. www.latitudesdeck.com.
#65 Arxx Building Products. Lightweight and pre-assembled, Arxx ICFs save builders time and money by providing formwork, framing, insulation, a vapor barrier, and strapping all in one step. The completed walls have a thermal resistance of R-22, the maker says. The product provides an STC rating of up to 50 or higher, is wind resistant up to 150 mph, and has a two- to four-hour UL/ULC fire resistance rating. 800.293.3210. www.arxxwalls.com.
#66 iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. Shear Brace, part of the manufacturer’s wall-bracing system, provides the strength and support necessary to resist forces such as high winds, hurricanes, and earthquakes, says the company. It is typically used in framing areas of the home where high lateral loads must be resisted. Made of TimberStrand LSL, the brace is optimized to accommodate larger loads and remain stiff, the maker says. 888.453.8358. www.ilevel.com.
#70 Kohler. The San Raphael Pressure Lite is the industry’s first one-piece, 1.0-gpf high-efficiency toilet with pressure-assist technology, the company says. Compressed air is used to propel water for robust flushing power. According to the firm, the toilet can save a household of four 7,000 to 10,000 gallons of water a year. The one-piece unit has Comfort Height seating and an elongated bowl. 800.456.-4537. www.kohler.com.
#71 R-Control Building Systems. R-Control FrameGuard Coated SIPs are treated with FrameGuard Coating—comprised of organic fungicides and a borate—that prevents mold, mildew, and termite damage to its wood components, says the firm. In addition, the expanded polystyrene core is treated with Perform Guard termite protection. 800.255.0176. www.r-control.com.
#72 Iron Age Designs. This manufacturer creates decorative metal castings from a minimum 80% post-consumer recycled iron. Available products include drain grates, trench grates, tree grates, and other custom grates. 206.276.0925. www.ironagegrates.com.
#73 LP Building Products. TechShield radiant barrier can reduce monthly energy costs up to 17% by blocking 97% of radiant heat in the panel from entering the attic space, according to the company. The product reduces attic temperatures, creating less work for HVAC systems. It also minimizes radiant heat loss in cooler months. 888.820.0325. www.lpcorp.com.
#76 Dekor. The Millennium collection of LED lights offers stylish mood lighting for outdoor decks, docks, patios, and more, according to the manufacturer. The lights can be installed in floors, ceilings, or wherever accent lighting is needed. The exterior LED light kit includes all the components needed for an outdoor lighting project, including eight compact LED lights in powder-coated covers. It is available in downlight or stair light styles. 800.258.0344. www.de-kor.com.
#77 Task Lighting. The Endure LED low-voltage undercabinet light is available in two colors (brushed nickel or black) and seven lengths ranging from 5 1/2½ to 32 1/2 inches. It is available in white or warm white light and lasts 50,000 to 75,000 hours. 800.445.6404. www.tasklighting.com.
#79 Global Solar. PowerFlex Solar Strings offer a pre-connected format for the company’s flexible Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) cells, allowing manufacturers of solar products and modules (i.e., the end products installed on houses) to more easily fit thin-film cells into their manufacturing processes. The CIGS cells are made on a bendable substrate, the company explains, making it more adaptable in shape and size and thereby allowing for new and innovative designs. 520.546.6313. www.globalsolar.com.
#81 LEDtronics. The series GDL002 FloodLED floodlight features low power consumption and a glare-free design that enhances night vision, according to the maker. It is available in warm white 3000K, cool white 8000K, and pure white 5500K color temperatures. The LED will operate for more than 50,000 hours, the company says. 800.579.4875. www.ledtronics.com.
#84 3form. 100 Percent countertops are made entirely from post-consumer recycled HDPE plastic—discarded milk and detergent packaging that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. The product resists UV, is entirely recyclable, and comes in four colors. 801.649.2500. www.3-form.com.
#85 Renewed Materials. Made out of post-industrial aluminum milling scrap, Alkemi is SCS-certified and has 35% recycled material by weight, or 60% by volume. The product comes in two finishes and in a variety of colors. It can be worked like conventional solid-surface material. 301.320.0042. www.alkemi.com.
#86 FireCrystals. For use in indoor or outdoor natural gas fireplaces, eco-friendly FireCrystals have the lowest fine-particulate emissions per unit of heat delivered, the maker says. As a direct replacement for gas or wood logs, FireCrystals emit all the beauty of a burning fire without releasing soot or ash into the environment. Their gemstone look is available in a multitude of colors that add extra interest to the application. 866.875.6615. www.firecrystals.com.
#87 Tiger Mountain Innovations. Rustic-looking Squak Mountain Stone slabs are made of recycled paper, cement, fly ash, and recycled glass. They come in five colors, and each piece is unique, the maker says. The product is 1 1/2 inches thick. 425.486.3417. www.squakmountainstone.com.
#88 ClimateMaster. Tranquility 27 6-ton geothermal and water-source heat pumps use a zero-ozone-depletion refrigerant. Units feature a variable-speed motor and double-isolated compressor mounting. 405.745.6000. www.climatemaster.com.
#89 Takagi. Specially designed for single-family homes, the T-K3-SP tankless water heater delivers efficiency in a compact design, but at a lower price point than previous models. With thermal efficiency of 80% for natural gas and liquid propane, and the ability to provide unlimited hot water up to 7 gpm, the T-K3-SP allows for multiple hot-water activities at once. The unit measures 13.8 inches wide, weighs 40 pounds, and can be mounted indoors or outdoors. 866.356.9190. www.takagi.com.
#91 Panasonic. The WhisperComfort spot energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is the first ceiling-insert ERV available in the U.S. Using two ducts, the fan exhausts stale air and brings in fresh air from outside. Its low-rate continuous run helps ensure that VOCs and other indoor air pollutants are vented out and replaced with fresh air. The fan’s capillary core adds heat and moisture to the incoming air to temper it and maintain a comfortable indoor living environment. 800.211.7262. www.panasonic.com/ventfans.