Solar Buildings Research Network

ÉcoTerra(TM) house, a CMHC EQuilibrium(TM) project by
Alouette Homes, demonstrating SBRN BIPV/T technologyand
funded through NRCan's CanmetENERGY at Varennes... (more)

Vision

The vision of the Solar Buildings Research Network (SBRN) is the development of the solar-optimized building as an integrated advanced technological system that approaches net-zero energy consumption while being cost effective and comfortable.

Advanced does not mean complex; it brings together “low-tech” passive solar technologies that appear simple but generally require careful design with “high-tech” active envelope elements such as motorized blinds and airflow windows with photovoltaics and smart predictive control systems.

Solar-optimization requires that the solar technologies are optimally integrated into the design and operation of the building.

Network Executive Summary

Please use the following link to download the Network Executive Summary in PDF format.

Demo projects

Demonstrations of combined Building Integrated Photovoltaic and Thermal envelope components announced

The Solar Buildings Research Network Awarded $900,000 from Natural Resources Canada's Technology Early Action Measures

Click here for more information.

Click here to read an article on the largest of the demo projects.

List of demo projects

Residential

• EcoTerra
• Alstonvale Net-Zero Home

Commercial

• Montreal-Trudeau Airport: Solar Gain and Daylight Control
• John Molson School of Business