Energy Advisor Shares Insights on Renovating Energy-Efficient Semi-Detached Home with Wood Pellet Heating and Solar Thermal
Transforming antiquated energy systems into efficient ones
On June 5, 2025, energy advisor Stephan Herpertz of the Rhein-Sieg district will discuss his personal renovation experience in a practical talk with colleague Carsten Peters. This joint discussion, hosted by the consumer center NRW, will take place via Zoom at 6 pm.
Carsten Peters, another energy advisor, invested in a virtually untouched semi-detached house, aiming to make it energy-efficient for his own residence. To modernize the property, he carried out extensive renovations: an extension, a wood pellet heating system, a solar thermal system, and numerous energy efficiency measures. Peters achieved this through three different funding programs and overcame various challenges, such as coordinating individual measures and adhering to financial plans.
After creating a comfortable and eco-friendly living space, Peters says, "Although the journey was not always straightforward, it was worth it. I now live in a house that consumes significantly less energy than before."
Stephan Herpertz, who leads this practical talk series for the consumer center, will facilitate the conversation. Participants can expect a question-and-answer session following the discussion. No prior registration is needed, and the event is free for all interested parties. The event details can be accessed via the following link: www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/praxistalk-effizienzhaus or by using the given Zoom details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86545287501?pwd=cCi9Zhd0PbHt8XHGpOX4Bfeprw9UZu.1.
The debated renovation projects provide insights into practical experiences, valuable tips, and an honest look at obstacles and solutions in energy-efficient renovations.
This event series offers a chance to learn from real-life renovation experiences of energy advisors, with many practical tips and honest insights into challenges and solutions.
[1] Peters, C. (2025). Practical talk on renovating an energy-efficient semi-detached house. Consumer center NRW.
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). Retrofit Guide: Whole-House Approach to Weatherization and Solar.
[3] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Energy Star Special Offers for Home Retrofits.
[4] Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). (2023). Energy Efficiency of Residential Buildings: Common Measures and Strategies for Success.
[5] European Commission. (2022). renovate europe - distribuis ce Programme funding guidelines for the renovation of buildings.
- Stephan Herpertz and Carsten Peters, both energy advisors, will share their experiences on renewing a semi-detached home into an energy-efficient residence, with a focus on financing options in the renewable-energy industry, during their joint talk hosted by the consumer center NRW on June 5, 2025.
- Carsten Peters modernized his energy-inefficient semi-detached house, using funds from three different programs, and installed a wood pellet heating system, solar thermal system, and numerous energy efficiency measures as part of the home improvement and sustainable-living movement.
- Participants of the talk will gain insights into real-life renovation experiences, practical tips, and the challenges faced when integrating renewable energy into a home-and-garden setting, as the speakers offer their knowledge from the energy industry.
- To support those interested in adopting sustainable living practices, referring to resources such as the U.S. Department of Energy's Retrofit Guide, Energy Star Special Offers for Home Retrofits by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Defense Council's Energy Efficiency of Residential Buildings, and the renovate europe program guidelines by the European Commission can provide valuable information on energy efficiency measures and strategies.
