Eco Factor: Sustainable house powered by solar energy.
The fourth Solar Decathlon is going to be held in October this year and participants have already tied their belts to develop the most fascinating solar home that could revolutionize the concept of home building. Sixty students at Ohio State University are building what will be one of the many entrants in this year’s Solar Decathlon competition. Construction on the Solar House 1, as it is being called, has already begun and the designers hope to make the $200,000 house habitable by October.
The 800-square-foot house will have 36 double-sided photovoltaic panels that will generate electricity for high-efficiency appliances and lights installed in the house. Sun will also be used to heat water, which will be pumped by another heat pump throughout the house. Bringing faded-out Egyptian technology to use, one of the walls will be designed to absorb the sun’s heat during the day so that the heat can travel inside during night to provide warmth.
Old barn wood would be used to cover the outside of the house. The roof will carry rainwater harvesting systems, which will provide water for the yard and the plants.
The Dark Side:
The Solar Decathlon always brings some stunning solar house designs to the limelight. These designs, however, don’t often become a commercial product. The Solar House 1 does show a great use of solar energy, however, it will be interesting to see if it ever becomes a commercial house that people can buy or build.
Via: ColumbusDispatch/OSU
