Solar Decathlon is a nationwide contest held by the U.S. Department of Energy to build solar-powered houses that are eye-catching, cost-effective, and energy-efficient.
Stevens Institute of Technology’s SURE HOUSE or (sustainable + resilient) HOUSE, with their awesome design, took first place in this year’s Solar Decathlon competition.
The ultra-efficient design, along with the serious cost-effectiveness of this comfortable and beautiful beach house, made them the competition’s winners.
The SURE HOUSE is highly energy efficient:
- With its dense insulation, rigorous air sealing, smart construction techniques, and high-performance windows, this incredible house exceeds Passive House standards.
- The SURE HOUSE requires 90 percent less energy than a regular home.
- This house is tough enough to be able to resist the worst impacts of high wind coastal storms such as hurricanes.
- There is a public USB charging station outside the house for community use during emergencies.
- A storm-rugged PV system supplies power without the use of batteries when the grid is down.
- This house can provide emergency power to the neighborhood in the aftermath of a storm.
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- Image courtesy Stevens Institute of Technology
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- Image courtesy Stevens Institute of Technology
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- Image courtesy Stevens Institute of Technology
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- Image courtesy Stevens Institute of Technology
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- Image courtesy Stevens Institute of Technology
