Today, solar energy only accounts for .05% of total national energy consumption. By 2030, that number is projected to increase to 30%. According to the Department Of Energy (DOE), when the price of solar reaches about $0.06 per kilowatt-hour over its lifetime, it will be considered cost-competitive with other non-renewable forms of electricity.

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In order to get there, however, DOE has issued a request for information (RFI) in order to explore ways in which solar can be brought into the mainstream. Asking industry professionals, research experts, government agencies and anyone who has a stake in the solar market.

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Which should be all of us.

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The RFI is looking for fresh ideas such as information on specific projects, industry trends, issues that inhibit market growth, and issues that guide decisions about solar. While the DOE is also seeking project-level information, and the intention of the RFI is to guide development of solar in the commercial arena, the RFI is open to anyone.

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While the purpose of the RFI is to first understand the barriers for stakeholders ? such as building owners and tenants, the DOE intends to use responses to implement steps ? through projects and initiatives ? to promote and develop solar energy usage. In some cases, funding opportunities are available for discrete projects.

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To submit a response visit the United States Green Building Council?s website.

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Responses are due by July 27.

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Air Exchange

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The best home ventilation systems have achieved a perfect balance between energy efficiency and adequate air exchange. It is important to have a way for stale air to escape from a home. Stale air often smells musty or dirty. A home that is sealed too tightly can also trap harmful airborne particles, such as radon or the volatile organic compounds found in many paints and cleaning products. Allowing too much air to escape can result in costly energy bills, which is why it?s important to calibrate your ventilation system so as to allow just enough air exchange.

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Preserve Insulation

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The insulation in a home that is improperly ventilated often collects moisture. Wet insulation loses its ability to do its job properly. This can result in energy bill increases and will eventually necessitate new insulation. Preserving the integrity of your existing insulation is another reason to make sure your home is properly ventilated.

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Avoid Excess Moisture

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Excess moisture can also do damage to the basic structure of your home. Mold, mildew, and rot occur not only below the roof, but also all throughout an improperly ventilated home. There are often considerable expenses associated with replacing structurally unstable rotten wood. Mold and mildew are also associated with negative health effects that homeowners should avoid.

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Winter Efficiency

For many years, we have known and touted the summer efficiency of our metal roofing systems. Through the reflection of radiant heat and the blocking of heat transfer by conduction, our products are proven to reduce attic heat gain, leading to lower cooling costs.

That has always led to the common sense next question of ?What about during the winter??

We?re pleased to report that recent studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratories indicate that metal roofing systems which incorporate an airspace above the roof deck (like many of ours) help with winter efficiency as well by slowing down the escape of heat from the attic. Keeping the attic warmer in the winter can result in keeping the house naturally warmer as well.

Watch here for future test results of this most interesting research.