Lennox Industries has introduced an integrated solar-assisted residential heating and cooling system. The SunSource system will be available for purchase in 2009.

Designed for residential needs, the patent-pending technique is meant to reduce peak demand on residential heating and cooling systems, and increase energy efficiency while keeping homeowners comfortable. SunSource relies on a single 190-watt solar panel to power a fan motor that moves air across an outdoor coil. The system still requires more power than is available from the solar panel, at least during peak hours, but has significantly reduced the total energy needed to cool or heat a home.

A future iteration of the SunSource system will integrate solar power into other components of a house's heating and cooling system, such as indoor motors, compressors, indoor air-quality products and thermostats.

SunSource was unveiled at the Association of Energy Services Professionals' 4th Technology Symposium in Long Beach, California.

Image — Lennox