Sun-Sensational News: Governor Visits UC Solar House

The University of Cincinnati’s solar house project – one of only 20 such efforts now underway around the world – received a special visit on Sept. 6 from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

During his visit to campus and his tour of the under-construction solar house, Strickland stated that he’d like to see the UC solar house come to the statehouse lawn after the house is first displayed in Washington, D.C., come this October.

The UC solar house is part of a select international competition called the Solar Decathlon where only 20 universities around the globe are permitted to participate. From Oct. 12-19, it will be on display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where it will be toured by hundreds of thousands of visitors, including members of the public as well as builders, architects, environmentalists, educators and government officials.

The purpose of the competition is to spur innovation in energy creation and conservation by means of cutting-edge architecture and engineering designs. For example, the UC students involved in the project have developed roofing advances, unusual uses for evacuated tubes, a unique thermo-electric heat pump, a water-collection system and even implemented radiant heating in the house where ALL the energy needs – such as appliances, AC/heating mechanics and even a commuter vehicle – are ultimately provided by the sun.

During his visit, Strickland remarked that the house and the students’ work exemplified the strengths of the state in terms of progressive efforts to serve industry and residents’ needs. He added that developing means for using alternative sources for electricity (as the UC solar house does) will attract industry and jobs to Ohio while also reducing pollution.

Currently, Ohio generates five percent of its electricity needs from nuclear and renewable energy sources while 95 percent is generated from non-renewable fossil fuels. Nationally, the U.S. generates about 20 percent of its electricity needs from nuclear power and renewable sources.

Houses like the one being built at UC could upend such figures. According to architect Anton Harfmann, associate dean in UC’s nationally ranked College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, “Up till now, the great majority of construction has treated energy issues as an afterthought, an add on. What we’re doing here is using available technology in new ways to integrate energy solutions into a home that is 100 percent solar powered and still meets people’s needs.”

Their own energy future is one of the drivers for the approximately 200 students who have participated in the design and construction of the UC solar house. One student who worked on the project, Andy Schroder of the College of Engineering, stated, “I want to have cheap electricity.”

• Read more about the house and its technical details.
• Read more about UC’s programs in architecture, engineering and business.
• Apply to UC programs.