Window and Glass Industry is Well-Represented at Solar Decathalon

The Solar Decathalon, a biennial event that joins 20 college and university teams in a competition to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house, ended last week in Washington, D.C. Window manufacturers and glass suppliers supplied products for these homes, and some placed very well in this Department of Energy-sponsored event.

Windows were supplied by Canadian manufacturers Fibertec and Loewen, while U.S.- based companies, including Inline Fiberglass, Milgard, Pella and Jeld-Wen all supplied products for these homes.

Glass suppliers were represented as well by companies including PPG, Innovative Glass and SageGlass. Other companies such as Velux Skylights and hardware companies including Truth Hardware and Hafele also were involved. (CLICK HERE for information on all of the products used.)

The team from Santa Clara University took third place in the event, and their project included windows from Milgard: the 5320 Series Picture Windows, the 5421 Awning Window and the 5221 Casement Window. Jamb hinges on the latter allow the window to open outward for maximum ventilation and possible egress, according to the company.

Santa Clara's project also included EGlass from Innovative Glass Corp., which the company says eliminates the requirement for mechanical shades, blinds and other window coverings, and opens up many design possibilities, particularly for odd shaped, hard-to-reach windows and skylights.

The sixth place team (out of 20 total) was Georgia Institute of Technology. This home featured Solarban 70XL Glass by PPG Industries, and the windows were fabricated by OldCastle Glass. The glass was chosen to brighten the home while limiting the solar heat gain, according to PPG. Because of its transparent, proprietary coating, Solarban 70XL glass transmits 64 percent of the sun's natural light while blocking more than 70 percent of its heat energy. Solarban glass also was used in the home created by Carnegie Mellon University, which finished number-14 in the standings.

Georgia Tech’s energy-efficient house also features Kawneer’s 190 Standard Entrances, Trifab® VersaGlaze® 451 framing, Storefront GLASSvent™ windows and 1600 SS™ (Screw Spline) curtainwall.

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