Crystal Windows Brighten Solar Decathlon House
Crystal Supplies Missouri University of Science and Technology Entry in National Competition
FLUSHING, NY – Crystal Window Door Systems is pleased to announce that it has supplied windows for the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) 2013 entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. The final judging for this year’s Solar Decathlon will be held October 3-13 at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA. The MST entry is a finalist and will be exhibiting and competing in California this fall.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a national competition in which college student teams design, build and operate houses powered by solar energy that are cost-effective, extremely energy-efficient, functional and attractive. The MST team is one of 20 teams invited to participate this year out of 45 teams applying, and it is the only team worldwide to be accepted into five of the six competitions held to date. The Chameleon House, the team’s 2013 entry, focuses on adaptability to varying environments, weather and functional needs, as the name implies.
"The Solar Decathlon is designed to combine energy efficient construction, products and energy management technology in cost-effective houses that are achievable today," said Frank Ganninger, Midwest Regional Sales Manager for Crystal. "Crystal is thrilled to be part of the Chameleon House Project. It's a perfect opportunity to show the value Crystal's energy efficient vinyl windows bring not only to this project but to homeowners across the nation."
After researching potential fenestration products and suppliers for the solar house project, the MST team selected Crystal windows for their performance and value. "Crystal windows offered the high level of cost-effective energy efficiency the team required along with long term low maintenance, both of which are critical components of the project," said Bob Phelan, MST’s Student Learning Center Outreach Manager and an advisor for the Solar Decathlon student team. MS&T student and team director of design and construction Aaron Enz added, "Crystal worked closely with our team to meet the design requirements and offer suggestions. We were especially pleased with the service and support Crystal provided."
The Chameleon House uses eight Series 245 Awning and 12 Series 211 Picture white vinyl windows. All the Crystal 200 Series vinyl windows feature 3-¼ inch jamb depths, strong multi-chamber energy saving frames, and 7/8-inch dual pane insulated glass units (IGUs). The IGUs utilized 1/8-inch double strength glass and were argon filled. To maximize fresh air ventilation, the awning windows came with full fibermesh screens and were equipped with custom motorized crank operators. The windows also came outfitted with nailing fins to provide easy installation in the new house.
To achieve even greater levels of thermal performance, all the windows were ordered with PPG Solarban 70XL, one of the best commercially available low-E coated glass products on the market. PPG Solarban 70XL is triple silver coated low-emissivity glass which simultaneously delivers outstanding U-values while balancing low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and high visible light transmittance (VT). This glass maximizes natural daylight without sacrificing thermal efficiency. With this glass package, the Series 211 delivers an NFRC thermal U-value rating of 0.27. Crystal offers Solarban 70XL glass as an option across its entire product line.
The Solar Decathlon houses compete in ten contests gauging how well the houses perform and how liveable and affordable they are. Contests include aesthetic and structural design, appliance and HVAC performance, market appeal, and comfort; the contests are both measured and juried by experts in their fields.
Crystal Window & Door Systems is one of the top 40 manufacturers in North America of replacement and new construction vinyl and aluminum window and door products and high-end fenestration systems. Crystal offers a full product line, rapid order-to-delivery times, quality workmanship, innovative product features and outstanding value. Crystal operates branches, subsidiaries and affiliates in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, Illinois, California and Massachusetts. Crystal is dedicated to practicing ‘green’ environmental initiatives in all aspects of corporate activities. For further information about Crystal and its products, call 718-961-7300, or visit the website at www.crystalwindows.com.
