Solar Decathlon — a competition for 20 university-led teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are energy efficient, affordable, and attractive — may get an entirely new venue in 2013. Today Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the DOE is considering offers for a new Solar Decathlon 2013 venue through a “request for capability” open through August 29, 2011.
A smart homeowner can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs with proper sealing and insulating, according to EnergyStar.gov. Assuming the air-sealed home has sufficient and adequate ventilation, air sealing is supposed to reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort. One area that typically needs attention is recessed lighting. In the video above, Yves Vetter of Vesta Home Performance, explains how to seal a can light from below.
Today Cree unveiled a concept LED light bulb with seriously impressive numbers. Third party testing confirmed the delivery of 1,331 lumens at 8.7 watts with a CRI of 91 and a warm color of 2800 K. With these numbers, the concept light bulb exceeds the 21st Century Lamp requirements in the L Prize competition, according to Cree.
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