Solar horsepower
A view of the home's energy source on the roof. On the left are two rows of photovoltaic solar panels--28 in all--that generate electricity and on the right is a row of five solar thermal panels that make hot water. The top-of-the-line SunPower PV panels will be able to generate 6.4 kilowatts of electricity, far more than a building this size would need. However, the designers need to over-engineer the home to feed batteries so the house can keep running even on cloudy days and evenings. Also, students are judged on how much excess electricity they can generate.
The building will have a much lower electrical load than most homes, not only because it's compact. It will be using EnergyStar-rated appliances and LED lamps for all fixed lighting. And the building will be insulated and well-sealed, using foam and tape to cover cracks, and up to R-40 worth of foam and celllose insulation. Because it will be well-insulated, its electrical heating and cooling system will have a lighter load.
September 21, 2009 4:00 AM PDT
Photo by: Martin LaMonica
