The teams have spent eight days and seven nights reconstructing their solar home designs before the opening ceremonies. Working around the clock has been a necessity for many teams -- to both add finishing touches and to install the photovoltaic panels (that collect solar energy) under the safe, dark cloak of nightfall.
Here's an overview of some of the innovations and special features included on the finished designs:
University of Puerto Rico Solar Decathlon Team - Utilizes a unique roof shape (figure A) to maximize space for solar panels
- Exterior shades block unwanted solar heat
- Colors chosen for the exterior reflect the spirit of the island
- A double-door system and interior blinds offer maximum energy efficiency
- The students on the team designed and built their own furniture designs
Texas A & M Solar Decathlon Team - Design demonstrates a simple approach (figure B) to solar living
- The team's message: deep pockets and high-end design isn't a requirement for efficiency
- A small team working without the help of structural engineers; building and executing its own concept
University of Missouri Solar Decathlon Team - Designed to look like a conventional suburban home (figure C)
University of Delaware Solar Decathlon Team - A curved structure (figure D) that follows the sun's path from east to west throughout the day
- Radiant floor heating and extra-insulated walls are designed to keep the interior both cool and cozy as needed
Virginia Tech Solar Decathlon Team - From building materials to the modern, movable interior, this home (figure E) is high-tech
University of Virginia Solar Decathlon Team - With a nod to the past, the team has created a floor from stones recycled from the Thomas Jefferson rotunda. The stones collect heat during the day and release it at night.
- Reclaimed building materials are an attention-getter. The team design displays recycled copper-clad siding (figure F) and a rain screen created from old shipping pallets.
University of North Carolina (Charlotte Solar Decathlon Team) - A straightforward design (figure G)
- Kalwall panels allow light in -- with the glow produced minimizing the actual light needed, while also minimizing glare
University of Auburn Solar Decathlon Team - Auburn's design is a nod to Southern traditions, including a porch (figure H) and warm, stylish interior
- The interior features a great attention to detail, with stylish water columns in front of the windows (the water cools and heats for temperature control with panache)
Crowder College (Missouri) Solar Decathlon Team - The only home in the competition built by students from a 2-year community college (figure I)
- Student sold this house design on Internet to raise construction/competition funds
University of Texas (Austin) Solar Decathlon Team - Incorporated an Airstream trailer (figure J) into the design. The trailer houses all the heat and moisture-producing components of the house -- the kitchen, bath and laundry.
- The remainder of the house is constructed from a kit consisting of aluminum beams, nuts and bolts.
Carnegie-Mellon University Solar Decathlon Team - The main design focus is the everyday lifestyle of urban dwellers
- Team's design breaks height rule of 18' in order for the home to blend well with a cityscape (figure K)
- The open space (including a loft) and abundance of natural light -- -- are the hallmarks of the interior
University of Colorado (Boulder) Solar Decathlon Team - Stylish, conventional look created with sustainable building materials (figure L)
- A tech pod at the back of the home houses all the mechanical equipment
- Countertops are made from recycled newspaper, while cabinets are made from bleacher wood and old sunflower seeds
Tuskeegee University Solar Decathlon Team - Features a breezeway (figure M), natural shade and porches
University of Maryland Solar Decathlon Team - Features 96 solar rooftop panels (figure N)
- Designed a house that the team's students would "want to live in after graduation"
RESOURCES :
Energy-Efficient Building: The Best of Fine Homebuilding
ISBN: 1561583405
From The Best of Fine Homebuilding book series.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
Model: 0916571041
Author: John Schaeffer (Editor), Doug Pratt (Editor)
(Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook, 11th Ed)
Real Goods
Website: www.realgoods.com
The Solar Electric House: Energy for the Environmentally-Responsive, Energy-Independent Home
ISBN: 0963738321
Author: Steven J. Strong, William G. Scheller
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Efficient Windows
Efficient Windows
Website: www.efficientwindows.org
Solar Decathlon
U.S. Department of Energy
Website: www.solardecathlon.org
Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Website: www.eere.energy.gov
Energy Star®
Website: www.energystar.gov
Energy Star
Website: www.energystar.gov
Photovoltaics
An introduction to photovoltaics, also called PV electricity.
Photovoltaics
Website: www.flasolar.com/photovol_main.php
Solar Buildings
Covers zero-energy building and other solar technologies.
Solar Buildings
Website: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
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