Bob Vila TV Shows >
Habitat for Humanity > Episode 5: Sheathing and Shingling the Roof

Manufacturing Photovoltaic Devices at the Global Solar Factory

Project: Habitat for Humanity, Episode 5, Part 3

Deane Evans (from the Partnership to Advance Technology in Homes) and Ren Anderson (from the National Renewable Energy Lab) talk with Bob about special photovoltaic shingles, which convert solar energy into electricity. Bob and Ren begin applying the shingles to the shed roof, before Bob heads to Global Solar in Tucson, AZ to learn more about how photo voltaic film is manufactured.

Part 1: Installing Dimensional Asphalt Shingles
Part 2: Photovoltaic Roofing Shingles Installed
Part 3: Manufacturing Photovoltaic Devices at the Global Solar Factory: Bob visits the Global Solar factory in Tucson, AZ to see how the company manufactures its unique solar-electric (photovoltaic) devices. Neil Holstad, president of Global Solar, leads a tour of the plant. The factory itself includes many environmentally friendly features, including abundant day lighting, recycled brick fascia, graywater recycling, concrete containing fly ash, rammed-earth garden walls, and energy-efficient windows.

Bob follows Neil inside the ultra-clean plant, where the unique flexible photovoltaic devices are made. The flexible material allows the devices to be used in many applications. Robert Wendt, Director of Technical Operations, shows Bob the materials used to make the solar cells and one of the manufacturing machines that produces them.

Bob Vila introduces the latest in sustainable materials and efficient building techniques on a Habitat for Humanity build. This project documents a five-day process that transformed an empty lot into a snug, comfortable, and sustainable home in Yonkers, NY.

Also from Habitat for Humanity

Episode 1 - Habitat for Humanity Project Begins
- Read More
- Read Less
Description:
Along with a team of volunteers and Habitat for Humanity, Bob undertakes the considerable task of building a house in exactly one week. Before construction begins, Bob takes us on a tour of Yonkers and meets with Mayor John Spencer.<br> <br> Back on site, Bob Ryley talks about the pre-cast foundation system from Superior Walls of America. Dennis Hardman of the Engineered Wood Association, one of the project's primary sponsors, points out a number of the engineered wood products being utilized in the build.<br> <br> Next, Bob visits a Habitat community in Phoenix, AZ to learn a bit more about the organization. And Finally, Bob joins with the architect of the Yonkers project house, Ed Binkley, together with Jim Killoran (from Habitat for Humanity), to discuss the plans.
Episode 2 - Framing the Walls
- Read More
- Read Less
Description:
As the walls go up on the Habitat house in Yonkers, Steve Thompson (from Premier Building Systems) joins Bob to discuss the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Then, Bob goes off to visit the Premier manufacturing facility in Washington State to see just how SIPs are manufactured. Back in Yonkers, framing work continues, while Bob moves to the basement to check out the GFX-- a new, money-saving system for recapturing heat from drain water.
Episode 3 - Working on the Roof
- Read More
- Read Less
Description:
The blitz build continues, and the roof framing begins. Bob meets with Lise LaFrance of the Engineered Wood Association, APA, to talk about the different engineered lumber products, including i-joists, being used on the house. Also, Bob tours the Willamette plant in Oregon where the i-joists are made. Back in Yonkers, Steve Thompson (from Habitat) leads the volunteers in raising the giant ridge beam. Carpenter Bob Ryley and Bob talk through the framing process and report on the progress of the house so far.
Episode 4 - Exterior Trim and Porch Ceiling
Episode 6 - Siding and Drywall
Episode 7 - Building the Back Porch
Episode 8 - Painting and Door Installation
Episode 9 - Floor Installation
Episode 10 - Working on the Kitchen
Episode 11 - Carpet and Bathroom Fixtures
Episode 12 - Interior Design
Episode 13 - House Tour

12 Inventive Uses for Old Dishes	Create Your Own Furniture: 90 Clever Ideas	48 Ways to Make Your Entry More Inviting	Bring the Outdoors In: 10 Fresh New Ideas
15 Design Inspirations for Small Space Living	12 Architectural Masterworks of 2012	A Second Life for Wine Bottle Corks	15 Easy Things to Make with Extra Wood