Renewable energy is a key element of any net-zero building project. So when “The Proud Green Home at Serenbe” project was looking for its PV solution, they turned to emerging solar leader LG Electronics.
Located in the sustainable community of Serenbe just south of Atlanta, the Proud Green Home project features a variety of techniques, products and design to create a sustainable home for the future. The Imery Group wanted to work with companies that shared the vision for sustainable building and would provide products and thinking that would help them reach a true net-zero build.
The community of Serenbe is built around sustainability. Everything from the home’s methods of construction to the organic produce on the tables that was breathes sustainability. This philosophy encouraged The Imery Group to make Serenbe the home of their Proud Green Home net-zero project. They partnered with LG Squared, Inc., a residential designer, to provide creative support in building the ideal home.
“Building a net-zero home is more than sustainable products. It takes a collection of likeminded companies with a goal of energy efficiency to bring all the right products together,” said Luis Imery, founder of The Imery Group, which conceived the project.
Creating a net-zero home means installing an energy source that will generate the same amount of power that the building needs. The architects-builders installed 40 LG Mono X™modules for the home, providing the best in quality energy solutions, according to Imery.
The energy increase from previous models is based on three innovative LG technologies:
- First, LG’s selective emitter technology improves the solar cell efficiency and simplifies the manufacturing process.
- Second, fine line electrodes have been created via significant improvements in the screen-printing process. The resulting broader light absorption area generates a greater amount of power.
- Finally, LG’s own “surface passivation” technology reduces the electrical loss at the solar cell surface. With LG’s advanced surface treatment technology absorbing more sunlight, the power output of the photo-conversion function is much greater than conventional multicrystalline solar cells.
“The LG Mono X™ modules are fantastic for this project as they are the latest and greatest with a maximum output needed to achieve our goals,” said Imery. “This vital component to the project is essential to reaching net-zero as they will produce all the energy the home needs to continue operating.”
A home would not be complete without the amenities and conveniences we’ve come to expect in modern day living.
Working in tandem with the solar panels, the Proud Green Home at Serenbe required the most energy efficient systems to make the net-zero goal a reality. For HVAC, Imery chose LG’s new Multi-V Mini zoned single-phase system. It provides the benefits of VRF (variable refrigerant flow) – lower annual operational costs, minimal or no duct work, and superior comfort with room zoning while maintaining architectural integrity.
Given LG’s overall efforts to support sustainable living, nearly all its products and appliances are ENERGY STAR® certified, making them a great addition to any home. For a net-zero home, they are practically a requirement. The Proud Green Home selected a number of LG ENERGY STAR home appliances and electronics including LED televisions, a large-capacity refrigerators and energy efficient washer and dryer.
Even with the plethora of energy efficient technologies in the home, LG Solar is its shining star. Highlighting this solar installation, the Proud Green Home at Serenbe held its official ribbon cutting this summer. There are plans to monitor energy usage of the home once the family moves in, providing the developers with vital information on the project’s efficiency. This data will affect future building projects that aim for increased sustainability as the focus on net-zero homes with PV continues to grow.