Welcome to Georgia Tech's Solar Decathlon website!
We invite you to explore our website and learn about our entry into Solar Decathlon 2007, an international competition between 20 universities to design, build, and operate an 800sf solar-powered house on the National Mall in Washington, DC in October 2007.
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Rain Screen
The rain screen sheds rain before contact with the wall,
preventing moisture intrusion and the resulting premature
decay in homes.
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Polycarbonate Panels
Polycarbonate is lightweight, temperature resistant, recyclable, and virtually unbreakable compared to glass. Polycarbonate panels are filled with aerogel, the lightest solid known. The material is an excellent insulator and is semi-transparent, allowing light to filter into the house.
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Roof Shading
Adjustable shade panels are integrated into the photo-voltaic support system to shade the roof from direct sunlight. Roof shading protects the roof surface from harmful rays and causes a significant reduction in energy use, and therefore savings.
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Clerestory
Clerestory windows wrap around the entire perimeter of the house, admitting sunlight and tree-top views between the top of
the walls and the roof.
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Photovoltaic Panels
PVs generate electricity from sunlight. Comprised of solar cells, PVs can meet up to 100% of your home's electricity needs,
virtually eliminating your electric bill and significantly reducing your impact on the environment.
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Deck Tiles
The decking around the house is made of reclaimed lumber. The decking is packaged into interlocking tiles which makes them
easy to install, remove, replace, and recycle.
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Louvers
A series of horizontal louvers extend from the surface and wrap the east and south walls of the house. The louvers shade the translucent walls from direct sunlight, reducing unwanted heat gain. The net result: savings on your electrical bill.
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Structural Insulated Panels
SIPs are made of rigid foam insulation and metal studs or wood sheathing. They are manufactured under factory controlled conditions
and can be custom designed for your home. SIPs are extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective, saving you time,
money, and labor.
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