DIY Network

Solar Powered Attic Fan: An Overview of Energy Saving Features From "Solar Solutions" episode SLR-102

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Auburn University's design supports the message that solar innovations can be easily incorporated into a daily lifestyle, without sacrificing style or comfort. Homeowner Alden Hathaway shares information with visitors at his net-zero home. Hathaway hopes blown cellulose insulation will increase his home's overall efficiency another 4-5 percent.

The first Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, was a showcase of solar innovation and building technology. The 14 collegiate teams used the sun to power every home appliance and to heat and cool the home -- a key component of the competition.

Andrew Lee of Carnegie-Mellon University says, "Heating and cooling is typically the greatest amount of energy used in a home. That can be reduced with the right amount and type of insulation, as well as by sealing the home properly."

Some of the collegiate solar innovations showcased are:

• Auburn University's special water tanks. Part sculpture, part solar heating system, the water-filled glass tanks heat up during the day and release the heat throughout the evening.

• At the University of North Carolina house, heat pumps doubled as hot water systems. The extra heat removed by the air conditioning unit was used to heat the water.

• A special skywall panel featured in the VA Tech design insulates while allowing light to be transmitted from the outside -- and without heating up like a standard window design.

• All teams used passive solar features to maximize natural sunlight, shading, airflow and ventilation and to regulate interior temperatures.

Many of these innovations are already being used in residential homebuilding. Homeowner Alden Hathaway built a net-zero colonial-style home in rural Virginia, and enthusiastically shares information with those who want to undertake the same type of project.

Hathaway's home contains the following innovations and solar technologies:

• 4-kilowatt amorphasilicon solar array
• 2-kilowatt solar monocrystalline array
• Solar hot water system
• Passive solar features/design
• An inverter to switch collected energy from DC to AC
• Is grid-tied so that extra energy collected is credited by the local utility
• The installation of an attic fan that will reduce overhead heat and further reduce cooling costs

It's the last feature -- the solar attic fan -- that interests Hathaway's guest Frank Rothwell. We'll follow Rothwell as he installs a solar attic fan in his own home.

RESOURCES :
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

Solar Decathlon
U.S. Department of Energy
Website: www.solardecathlon.org

Solar Buildings
Covers zero-energy building and other solar technologies.
Solar Buildings
Website: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/

U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
Website: www1.eere.energy.gov/solar

Solar Patriot Home
Solar Strategies Development Corporation
We apologize no contact information is available.