Combining forces, the University of New Mexico and Arizona State University entered a solar modular home in the U. S. Dept. of Energy (DOE)s’ Solar Decathlon held in Oct. at Irvine, California, winning first prize in the “energy balance” category and in the top ten in other categories. “SHADE (Solar Homes Adapting for Desert Equilibrium) pays tribute to the interdependence of desert plant life while maximizing occupant comfort and flexibility,” according to what the organizers related to bizjournals.com. The house features rainwater cachement tanks, modular furniture, solar canopies, capillary radiant heating and a “whole-house” control system. MHProNews has learned the modular home will be on display at Mesa del Sol in south Albuquerque, New Mexico through March.
