Net-Zero Energy Home in Charlotte, NC – DOE Solar Decathlon Design Challenge

Buildings within the United States account for 21% of the nation's building energy consumption, contributing to the emission of CO2, among other pollutants. Approaching home design through energy efficient systems and green technologies is a critical step towards the reduction of the Greenhouse Effect and the creation of a cleaner world. We are competing on behalf of the Wake Forest University Engineering Department in the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge. The Design Challenge challenges students to excel in 10 competitions: Architecture, Engineering, Market Analysis, Durability and Resilience, Embodied Environmental Impact, Integrated Performance, Occupant Experience, Comfort and Environmental Quality, and Energy Performance. Our submission consists of a zero-carbon home design that is accessible to the average middle-class family in Charlotte, NC; however, the design is suitable for any location with a humid subtropical climate, which accounts for about 20% of the United States. This paper presents our final home design, which generates 1100 kWh of energy per month and achieves a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of less than 50 before renewables. These metrics have been assessed through energy modeling, thermal envelope analysis, and heating and cooling loads evaluation. To further evaluate our design, a market/cost analysis, daylight analysis, and embodied-energy evaluation have also been considered. Within our 1700 ft2 design, strategic bedroom design and dual-use spaces provide homeowners with flexible living spaces, additionally decreasing the energy that would be required for a more spacious home. Heat-pump technologies, a well-insulated thermal envelope, and opportunities for passive solar gain also reduce energy-generation requirements. Our future project outlook is to design a home that can be replicated in mass quantities across the US and the world, providing a significant platform for addressing climate change.