Eco Factor: Home powered by solar energy.
A team of 200 students at the Iowa State University is designing a 100% off-grid home for the Solar Decathlon 2009 event to be held later this year. The Interlock House, as the project is being referred to, may be constructed in a backyard, driveway or empty lot within an established community minimizing construction waste.
The home makes use of special soybean-based spray foam, which hardens like styrofoam once dry. Once the foam settles onto a wall or ceiling, it’s virtually impossible for air to pass through, minimizing the energy needed to heat or cool the interiors. The home also generates electricity from roof-mounted solar panels, which keeps the home off-grid during all seasons.
Though efficient, the spray foam costs four times as much as standard fiberglass insulation, adding that to the cost of solar panels and sustainable construction, the cost of the house is expected to be more than $350,000 which might make it a more of a dream than an actual place to dwell.
Via: KCRG
