Prevention through Design (PtD) for Solar-Ready Houses

Supported by CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training (https://www.cpwr.com/), a UW CM research team recently completed a funded study regarding Prevention through Design (PtD) for Solar.  The team consisted of Prof. Hyun Woo “Chris” Lee (PI), Prof. John Gambatese (Co-PI, Oregon State University), and Yohan Min (UW PhD student researcher).  The study aims to support designers to apply PtD to new solar-ready houses by providing an easy-to-use PtD design checklist and BIM models.

More information can be found in its final report (https://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/SS2020-PtD-for-Solar-Ready.pdf).

This study was developed based on a 2017 CPWR study (https://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/PtD-Solar-Solar-Systems-in-Small-Buildings.pdf), aimed at applying PtD to solar systems on existing houses. Combined together, the results of the two studies are expected to provide:

1. A proof-of-concept for designer-involved PtD practice that supports the design of green buildings, and
2. A comprehensive set of guidance documents for worker safety related to solar power in residential construction.

Review Key Findings Here