For many people living in the Northeast, the concept of a net-zero, solar-powered home that can stand up to some of Mother Nature’s toughest weather conditions may seem far-fetched and impractical. At least that was the mindset before Hurricane Sandy barreled into the east coast, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation along the eastern seaboard that was unprecedented. Among the cities devastated by the storm was Hoboken, New Jersey – home to Stevens Institute of Technology.
Following a series of destructive storms over the past several years, Sandy was a tipping point for coastal communities. A sustainable, resilient house that could withstand hurricane-force conditions was no longer a luxury, but essential for the long-term existence of these communities.
So when Stevens was selected to compete in its third consecutive Solar Decathlon competition, an interdisciplinary team of Stevens students saw an opportunity to create a new paradigm for coastal housing.
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Islanding PV
Traditional Photovoltaic systems are connected to the electric grid and when the grid goes ‘down’ due to weather... Learn More