The Complete SHIELD Framework: Integrating Solar, HVAC, Insulation, Efficiency, Life Essentials & Diagnostics
Discover how ProsperShield's integrated approach delivers 70-100% energy bill reductions. Learn why whole-home optimization beats piecemeal upgrades for maximum savings and comfort.

Craig Stratton
CEO & Founder, ProsperShield
The Complete SHIELD Framework: Your Path to Energy Independence
At ProsperShield, we don't just install solar panels or replace HVAC systems. We deliver complete home energy integration through our proven SHIELD framework - the only approach that achieves true energy independence.
What is the SHIELD Framework?
Solar - Cut energy costs by up to 90% HVAC - Precision climate control Insulation - Seal the leaks, keep the comfort Efficiency - Smart upgrades that pay for themselves Life Essentials - Water, air, safety—covered Diagnostics - We find what others miss
The key: These six pillars work together, not in isolation.
Why Piecemeal Approaches Fail
Most homeowners do this:
Step 1: Install solar panels ($20,000)
Problem: Home wastes 40% of energy through air leaks and poor insulation
Result: Need larger, more expensive solar system
Step 2: Replace old HVAC ($12,000)
Problem: Leaky ducts waste 30% of conditioned air
Result: Oversized system running inefficiently
Step 3: Add insulation ($3,000)
Problem: Didn't air seal first
Result: Minimal energy savings (15% vs. potential 40%)
Total investment: $35,000
Total savings: 40-50% energy bills
Payback: 15-20 years
The SHIELD approach:
Step 1: Diagnostics - Find all energy waste ($500)
Step 2: Air sealing - Stop leaks ($1,500)
Step 3: Insulation - Proper R-values ($2,500)
Step 4: Right-sized HVAC - Smaller, more efficient ($10,000)
Step 5: Efficiency upgrades - LED, smart thermostat ($500)
Step 6: Solar - Smaller system needed ($15,000)
Step 7: Life Essentials - Water, air quality, surge protection ($2,000)
Total investment: $32,000
Total savings: 80-100% energy bills
Payback: 8-12 years
Additional benefits: Better comfort, air quality, home value
Same investment, nearly double the results
The SHIELD Framework in Detail
S - Solar: The Power Source
Not just panels on your roof - complete solar integration:
What we install:
- Right-sized solar array (based on actual needs, not estimates)
- Premium inverters (25-year lifespan)
- Optional battery storage (backup power + time-of-use optimization)
- Monitoring systems (track production and consumption)
How it integrates:
- Pairs with heat pump (all-electric home = maximum ROI)
- Sized after efficiency upgrades (30-40% smaller system needed)
- Coordinates with battery storage for TOU rate optimization
- Enables whole-home backup (with proper load management)
Investment: $12,000-$25,000 (after tax credits) Savings: 70-100% of electric bills Payback: 6-10 years
H - HVAC: Precision Climate Control
The right system, sized correctly, operating efficiently:
What we install:
- Heat pumps (2-4x more efficient than gas furnaces)
- Variable-speed systems (adjust to exact needs)
- Properly sized (Manual J load calculations)
- Zoning (independent control for multi-story homes)
- Smart thermostats (optimize based on occupancy)
How it integrates:
- Installed after air sealing/insulation (30-50% smaller capacity needed)
- Pairs with solar for zero HVAC operating costs
- Coordinates with air quality systems (ERV/HRV)
- Integrates with smart home (voice control, automation)
Investment: $8,000-$18,000 Savings: 30-50% on heating/cooling Payback: 7-12 years
I - Insulation: The Thermal Envelope
Proper R-values in all areas, installed correctly:
What we install:
- Attic insulation (R-49 to R-60 for most climates)
- Air sealing (BEFORE insulation - critical)
- Rim joist insulation (biggest basement leak)
- Duct insulation (if ducts in unconditioned spaces)
- Radiant barriers (in hot climates)
How it integrates:
- Done before HVAC sizing (reduces required capacity)
- Enables smaller solar system (less energy needed)
- Works with ventilation (prevents moisture issues)
- Coordinates with diagnostics (thermal imaging guides placement)
Investment: $2,500-$7,000 Savings: 25-40% on heating/cooling Payback: 3-7 years
E - Efficiency: Smart Upgrades
High-ROI improvements that amplify other upgrades:
What we install:
- LED lighting (whole-home upgrade)
- Smart thermostats (learning algorithms)
- Energy monitoring (real-time feedback)
- Smart plugs (eliminate phantom loads)
- Low-flow fixtures (water + energy savings)
How it integrates:
- Smart thermostats optimize HVAC runtime
- Energy monitoring tracks solar production vs. consumption
- LED upgrades reduce solar system size needed
- Automation maximizes efficiency
Investment: $500-$2,000 Savings: 15-25% on electricity Payback: 1-3 years
L - Life Essentials: Health, Safety, Comfort
The systems that make a house a healthy home:
What we install:
- Tankless or heat pump water heaters
- Whole-home air purification (HEPA/UV-C)
- Dehumidifiers/humidifiers
- Whole-home surge protection
- Water filtration
- Radon mitigation (if needed)
How it integrates:
- Tankless water heaters pair with solar (efficient + electric)
- Air purification coordinates with HVAC (shared ductwork)
- Surge protection required for solar equipment
- Humidity control improves insulation effectiveness
Investment: $2,000-$6,000 Savings: $200-$500/year + health benefits Payback: 4-12 years
D - Diagnostics: Finding What Others Miss
Data-driven approach to home performance:
What we provide:
- Blower door testing (quantify air leakage)
- Thermal imaging (find hidden issues)
- Energy modeling (predict upgrade results)
- Duct testing (measure HVAC efficiency loss)
- Solar site assessment (shading analysis)
- Indoor air quality testing
How it integrates:
- Guides all other SHIELD services
- Proves ROI (before/after measurements)
- Prioritizes upgrades (biggest bang for buck first)
- Validates performance (post-installation testing)
Investment: $400-$700 Value: Identifies $5,000-$15,000 in waste ROI: 700-3,000%
Real Homeowner: The Complete SHIELD Journey
Meet the Johnsons (2,500 sq ft, Zone 5):
Year 0 - Before SHIELD:
- Monthly electric: $180
- Monthly gas: $120
- Total annual energy: $3,600
- Home comfort: 6/10 (cold bedrooms, hot upstairs)
- Indoor air quality: Poor (allergies year-round)
Year 1 - SHIELD Implementation:
Diagnostic Assessment ($500):
- Identified: 17 ACH50 air leakage (very leaky)
- Found: Missing insulation in rim joists
- Discovered: HVAC oversized by 30% + 35% duct leakage
- Revealed: $900/year waste from inefficiencies
Air Sealing + Insulation ($4,200):
- Sealed attic penetrations, rim joists
- Added R-49 attic insulation
- Results: 50% less air leakage (8.5 ACH50)
HVAC Replacement ($13,500):
- Installed: 3-ton heat pump (vs. 4-ton old system)
- Added: ERV for fresh air
- Included: Smart thermostat with room sensors
- Results: All-electric, properly sized, zoned
Efficiency Upgrades ($1,000):
- LED lighting (whole home)
- Smart thermostat
- Energy monitoring
- Smart plugs for phantom loads
Solar Installation ($17,000 after tax credits):
- System size: 7 kW (vs. 10 kW if done first)
- Includes: Battery backup (3 kW)
- Results: 100% offset of electric usage
Life Essentials ($2,800):
- Tankless water heater
- Whole-home air purifier
- Surge protection
- Dehumidifier
Total Investment: $39,000
Year 2+ - After SHIELD:
- Monthly electric: $0 (solar offset)
- Monthly gas: $0 (all-electric)
- Total annual energy: $0
- Annual savings: $3,600
- Home comfort: 10/10 (even temps, controlled humidity)
- Indoor air quality: Excellent (no allergies)
Additional benefits:
- Home value increased: $25,000+ (solar + upgrades)
- Carbon footprint: 100% reduction
- Backup power: 3 days during outages
- Maintenance: Minimal (all new equipment)
ROI Analysis:
- Payback period: 10.8 years
- 25-year savings: $90,000
- Net benefit: $51,000
- Annual ROI: 9.2%
Better than almost any investment
The Integration Advantage
Why the whole is greater than the sum of parts:
1. Right-Sizing = Lower Costs
- Air seal + insulate FIRST → 30-40% smaller HVAC needed
- Smaller HVAC → Less solar capacity required
- Less solar → Lower total investment
2. Synergistic Savings
- Solar + heat pump → Zero energy costs
- Insulation + HVAC → Faster payback for both
- Smart controls + solar → Maximize self-consumption
3. Single-Contractor Benefits
- Coordinated timeline (3-6 weeks total)
- One warranty (25 years workmanship)
- Integrated design (no conflicts between trades)
- Lower labor costs (mobilize once vs. 6 times)
4. Comprehensive Monitoring
- Track all systems in one platform
- Identify issues before they become failures
- Optimize performance continuously
- Prove savings with data
The SHIELD Implementation Timeline
Phase 1: Assessment (Week 1)
- Comprehensive energy audit
- Thermal imaging and blower door test
- Solar site assessment
- Detailed proposal with ROI analysis
Phase 2: Building Envelope (Weeks 2-3)
- Air sealing (attic, basement, penetrations)
- Insulation installation
- Duct sealing and insulation
- Blower door retest (verify improvement)
Phase 3: Systems (Weeks 4-5)
- HVAC installation
- Water heater upgrade
- Air quality systems
- Electrical panel upgrades (if needed)
Phase 4: Efficiency (Week 5)
- LED lighting installation
- Smart thermostat setup
- Energy monitoring
- Home automation integration
Phase 5: Solar (Week 6)
- Solar panel installation
- Inverter and battery
- Utility interconnection
- System commissioning
Phase 6: Final Inspection (Week 7)
- Blower door final test
- Thermal imaging verification
- System training for homeowner
- Documentation and warranties
Total timeline: 6-8 weeks (vs. 6-12 months piecemeal)
Financing the Complete SHIELD
Investment range: $25,000-$60,000 (depending on home size and scope)
Financing options:
1. Solar Loan + HELOC
- Solar: $0 down, 2.99-6.99% APR (20 years)
- Other upgrades: HELOC 6-9% (10-15 years)
- Payment: $250-$400/month
- Previous energy bills: $300-$400/month
- Immediate positive cash flow
2. FHA PowerSaver Loan
- Energy upgrades: Up to $25,000
- Interest: 3-7% APR
- Term: 20 years
- Qualification: Easier than traditional loans
3. PACE Financing (if available)
- Entire project: $25,000-$75,000
- Interest: 6-8%
- Paid via property tax assessment
- Transferable to new owner if you sell
4. Cash + Tax Credits
- Solar: 30% federal tax credit ($6,000-$9,000)
- HVAC: Up to $2,000 tax credit
- Insulation: Up to $1,200 tax credit
- Total credits: $9,200-$12,200
- Reduces effective cost 25-30%
Example:
Total SHIELD investment: $40,000
Federal tax credits: -$10,000
Utility rebates: -$2,000
Net cost: $28,000
Financed at 5.5% over 15 years
Monthly payment: $229
Previous energy bills: $350/month
**Net savings from day 1: $121/month**
Who Should Get the Complete SHIELD?
Ideal candidates: ✅ Homeowners planning to stay 7+ years ✅ Homes with high energy bills (>$250/month) ✅ Aging HVAC or inefficient equipment ✅ Desire for energy independence ✅ Want whole-home comfort and air quality ✅ Environmentally conscious ✅ Home value investors
Not ideal for: ❌ Renters (no ROI) ❌ Selling within 2-3 years (won't recoup investment) ❌ Homes with major structural issues (fix those first) ❌ Extremely limited budgets (<$15,000 available)
Getting Started
Your SHIELD journey begins with a free consultation:
What we'll do:
- Assess your current energy usage (utility bill analysis)
- Tour your home (identify immediate opportunities)
- Discuss goals (comfort, savings, environment, independence)
- Create custom SHIELD roadmap
- Provide detailed proposal with:
- Specific recommendations for each pillar
- Accurate cost estimates
- ROI projections
- Financing options
- Timeline
What you'll learn:
- Exactly where your home is wasting energy and money
- Which upgrades deliver the best ROI
- How much you can save annually
- How complete SHIELD compares to piecemeal
No pressure, no obligation - just honest assessment
Call 877-317-9079 to schedule your free SHIELD consultation.
About ProsperShield
Leading PROSPER ENERGY, PROSPER SECURITY & PROSPER SHIELD — helping families power, protect, and simplify life.
24,978+ solar installs • 17,000+ smart homes • Building the zero-net home future.
CEO & Founder: Craig Stratton ⚡️ Author | Public Speaker | Innovation Architect | Impact Investor | Coach | Mentor
SHIELD framework results based on 24,000+ completed installations. Individual results vary by home characteristics, climate zone, and usage patterns.
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