Solar Decathlon Project Report

Abstract

The Solar Decathlon Design Challenge, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, represents a significant effort to promote sustainable design principles and advance the integration of renewable energy technologies in the built environment. By setting specific design challenges and criteria, the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge stimulates innovation in energy efficiency, building performance, and the utilization of solar power. In this year’s competition, five residential buildings and one commercial building (shown in Figure A.) have been designed and selected by the sponsor, embodying the collective pursuit of zero-energy architecture. In the center of this project is the development of an Energy Calculation Tool, to gauge the precise requirements for solar panel deployment and battery storage, ensuring self-sufficiency independent of the conventional power grid. Additionally, the project's objectives extend beyond mere functionality to encompass the creation of an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), ensuring accessibility and providing stakeholders with the tools to navigate the complexities of energy management with ease.