
For the past week, 20 teams took over the National Mall with their best attempts at a net-zero, solar-powered home, all with hopes to win this year's Solar Decathlon. Today, after competing in ten different contests, the winners were crowned, and for the second time, Germany took first place.
The cube-shaped surPLUShome, covered on all sides by dark metallic solar panels, produces more than twice the energy it uses. The roof is covered with single-crystal silicon panels and the sides with thin-film copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) panels. The entire system has a capacity of 11.1 kW.
Just as impressive was the efficiency of the home. The team got a perfect score in the Net Metering contest. Features like one large multi-purpose room with different "zones" instead of separated rooms, vacuum insulation structural panels, a boiler/heat pump system for hot water and heat and louver-covered windows created an energy-sipping home.
Two U.S. teams also placed in the competition: Team Illinois took second and Team California took third. All of the entries showcased innovative and beautiful designs. Check out virtual tours of all the entries here and let the inspiration begin.
via Inhabitat

written by Matt, October 16, 2009
written by Doc Rings, October 17, 2009
Surely some economics played into the score... will check that out at the links...
Cheers,
Doc
written by EV, October 17, 2009
Surely some economics played into the score... will check that out at the links...
Not really. One of the reasons the German entry was covered in solar panels is that the contest awarded an overwelming amount of extra points for energy produced above that used in the house. So, it pretty much came down to who could generate the most electricity, regardless of cost.
written by Greeny Shoe, October 18, 2009
They could have used more of those to make some nice pixel art !
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-m
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As mentioned before, price is going to be a huge deterrent from mainstream adoption of totally energy-independent homes, however, if the square footage is substantially less (which any green home should be if it's truly going to have a lower impact), than the value may be comparable to some current market values within affordable ranges....let's start building and see what happens!
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