Our next METALCONLive! is happening THIS Wednesday and puts solar and net zero construction in the spotlight. Entrepreneur turned solar expert, Dan Javan, CEO of Suntuity, will speak on the growth of solar and the emergence of net zero construction. While Suntuity has been busy making solar more accessible to the masses, they now have another accomplishment – building their first “Net Zero” structure, a unique, one-of-a-kind home running solely on renewable energy sources. Their “Net Zero Home Project” will operate as a completely self-sustaining LEED Platinum certified home that meets ENERGY STAR® and Department of Energy requirements.

Built in central New Jersey, the two-story, 4,300 square feet home has a 4” foam base, 3,000 square feet fully insulated basement, and a 921 square feet 2-level garage on 0.88 acres of land. Other aspects include 10’ ceilings on the first level, 9’ ceilings throughout the rest of the structure, LED lighting in 98% of the home and R-22 Rated Build Block Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) for the walls, creating a foam seal around every edge and providing top notch insulation for maximum energy efficiency. Both the front porch and back patio have been built on R-29 rated Build Deck ICF foundations, and the driveway is insulated with a “Driveway Ice Melt System.”

Metal Architecture reported in July, “Englert supplied a standing seam metal roof system. Rob Lowe, CEO at Englert, said ‘Metal is an ideal platform for solar integration and will complement the look of this unique project. It’s been a great experience working with Suntuity Home on this net zero project. Installation of the A1500 snap lock metal roof system was completed by Centerville, Utah-based MBL Construction LLC. The roof panels, made from 25% recycled material, are environmentally-friendly, and are LEED and ENERGY STAR compliant. A low-gloss, non-reflective coating helps reduce energy consumption and will keep the roof surface approximately 60-70 degrees cooler during summer months.” According to Dan Javan, “The transformation has been remarkable as the metal roof is installed on the Net Zero home; it’s really made the project come alive. The dark bronze color selection will bring all of the home’s exterior accents together.”

To install the solar panels, Suntuity called on METALCON exhibitor and sponsor, S-5! to install their solar attachment system, using over 300 clamps to secure the 80 solar panels to the Englert A 1500 dark bronze standing seam metal roof. Check out the video of their Solar PVKit installation.

SOLAR IN THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING SECTOR

Solar isn’t limited to the residential market. In 2020, EPIC, an edgy 13-story, 327,913-square-foot office building developed by Hudson Pacific Properties in Hollywood, California, opened as the first commercial building in Los Angeles to use building-integrated photovoltaics. The exterior of the building, designed by Gensler, features a pattern created by the alternating placement of photovoltaic panels and windows, using the latest technology in solar energy renewables which integrates the photovoltaic panels into the building’s envelope. (Image courtesy Hudson Pacific Properties)

To learn more about this project and others by Suntuity, REGISTER for Wednesday’s FREE METALCONLive! webinar. This course qualifies for 1 AIA LU.