AGC Sponsors Zero Net Energy Home Collegiate Project
AGC sponsored The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 2011 Solar Decathlon Team. The competition consisted of teams that designed solar-powered homes that were judged based on affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence.
Washington, D.C.–AGC Glass Company North America (AGC), sponsored The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 2011 Solar Decathlon Team, “Living Light.” Hosted by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), the competition consisted of collegiate teams that designed, built and operated solar-powered homes that judged based on affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
The Living Light home used only 6,700 kwh per year—less than half the energy in one year of a similar sized house in the same climate; this reduced energy consumption would save a homeowner $90,000 in 30 years of residence.
The 10.9 kilowatt solar roof array was composed of cylindrical photovoltaic modules and a reflective white rooftop, which captures direct, reflected and ambient sunlight. The home is projected to use only half of the electricity generated from the solar array, giving owners the option to use the remainder to charge an electric vehicle or sell back to the local utility company.
The home’s glass envelope was a double façade system, constructed with an inner insulated double panel of AGC Comfort Ti-36 and an outer pane of laminated Comfort E-PS glass. A 14-inch air gap between the panes serves as a ventilated air space to heat the home in cold weather, and contains built-in automated blinds to shade the interior and provide privacy. The glazing system provides an overall R11 performance.
AGC provided Krystal Kolours in Pure White for the backsplashes and wall cladding and Acid Etched glass for doors and partitions. While the glazing system provides maximum use of natural lighting, interior LED lighting with Solite glass covering is integrated in the floors and ceiling for nighttime illumination.
The Solar Decathlon competition took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. September 23-October 2, 2011.
