AGC Sponsors Zero Net Energy Home Collegiate Project
AGC Glass Company North America (AGC), is proud to sponsor The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 2011 Solar Decathlon Team, “Living Light.” Hosted by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), the competition consists of collegiate teams that design, build and operate solar-powered homes to be judged based on affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
“AGC’s corporate commitment along with the support of the individual regional representatives has been a key part of our team’s success,” says Amy Howard, project manager for Living Light, “Through the design and construction of the Living Light house AGC has provided our team with the expertise and materials to build our solar powered, energy efficient home.”
Attending the opening ceremony in Washington, D.C., Dr. Balian, VP of Marketing for AGC was impressed with the full impact of the openness, space, light and energy efficiency that the UT team incorporated in Living Light using AGC’s glass solutions, remarking, “This for sure is a winning solution.”
AGC’s commitment to offering the widest array of innovative glass products is evident in their partnership with UTK, as glass plays a large role in the energy efficiency and aesthetics of Living Light. The Living Light home would use 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 is 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 is 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.
Contributing to the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the interior of the home, 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 takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. September 23-October 2, 2011.
About AGC Glass Company North America
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, AGC Glass Company North America is one of the largest flat glass manufacturers in North America. The company is part of Japan-based Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. - the world leader in glass production. A fully integrated supplier, AGC has 4,300 employees in three major divisions: Primary, Coatings, and Fabrication. Through its three strategic business units, AGC offers one of the industry’s broadest lines of Building Products, Solar Glass and Automotive Glass. With facilities across North America, AGC has built its success on providing practical solutions for its customers. Visit www.us.agc.com or www.agc-solar.com to learn more.