Among the laureates of the Swiss Solar Prize 2003: 1) Zero-Energy House
Using sophisticated insulation and state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies, the new house of family Ernstberger is entirely energy- self-sufficient: The annual net energy need of only 12.5 kWh/m2 for heating (about 1/17 of conventional housing) is entirely covered by a combination of solar and geothermal energy. The electrical power of 5680 kWh/a needed for appliances, hot water, lighting, ventilation and heating is more than covered by solar cells on the roof (6.27 kW). 2) Zero-Energy Car The lightweight car "Ligier Optima Sun II" made in Geneva uses 7 times less energy than a conventional car (15 kWh/100km), and is entirely powered by solar cells on the roof of the car and of the post office. Postman Fritz Tschanz is using this car year-round to deliver the mail of a whole village since 1994 -- 190,000 kg of mail so far. Both projects show that 100% energy-self-sufficiency is not a thing of the distant future and not limited to southern countries. It can be implemented now and in places with temperate climate. Photos and description [in French & German] of the Zero-Energy House & Car: http://www.solaragency.org/Solarpreis2003/pdf/16-17.pdf (house) http://www.solaragency.org/Solarpreis2003/pdf/14.pdf (car) Chris _______________________________________________ Futurework mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://scribe.uwaterloo.ca/mailman/listinfo/futurework
