Research Objectives

1. Development of effective methods for integration of solar collection, storage and utilization systems into the building envelope. New concepts and designs that optimize solar energy utilization in combination with lighting and heating/cooling systems will be developed.
2. Development and improvement of solar energy utilization technologies so as to reduce cost and raise overall efficiency. Component level research aimed at supporting objective 1 and improving solar energy collection and conversion to electricity and/or heat, as well as enhancing daylight utilization will be performed.
3. Development of cost effective, innovative and efficient solar-based power generation systems for buildings.
4. Development of simulation design tools and methodologies to be used throughout the solar building design process, especially at the high impact early stages. Development of simulation tools to assist in policy planning.
   

The Network research is organized into the following four themes:

• Theme I - Integration of solar energy systems into buildings
  Theme Leader: Andreas Athienitis, Concordia University
  This Theme focuses on building-integrated systems – including photovoltaics, thermal and daylighting.
• Theme II - Solar thermal systems for heating and cooling
  Theme Leader: Stephen Harrison, Queen’s University
  Theme 2 focuses on solar thermal systems and components such as solar collectors and combi-systems that combine space heating and cooling, and domestic hot water functions.
• Theme III - Solar electricity generation in buildings
  Theme Leader: Liuchen Chang, University of New Brunswick
  Theme 3 concentrates on the development of cost effective, innovative and efficient power generation systems for buildings based on solar energy.
• Theme IV - Simulation tools for solar building design
  Theme Leader: Ian Beausoleil-Morrison, Carleton University
  Theme 4 connects the other three Themes in the development of simulation tools that may span detailed research-oriented tools, design tools for architects and engineers, and policy development tools.

The Network will also develop and implement a strategy to effectively transfer the technologies developped to architects, manufacturers and home builders and utilities. The Network will lead to the development of innovative solar utilization building systems, load management techniques and methods/software tools that support solar-optimized building design. It will play a key role in a solar home demonstration program along with our partners. Finally, it will also provide input to the development of relevant government policies and standards while training over 100 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and undergraduate research assistants who will contribute to making its vision a reality.