# Brimming Energy Abodes Amazing Super Energy-Producing 'surPLUShome' by Team Germany By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-10-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-decathlon-winners-surplushome References: [bustler.net](http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/team_germany_wins_solar_decathlon...again/) & [solardecathlon.gov](http://www.solardecathlon.gov/past/2009/team_germany.html) The surPLUShome has taken first place in the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Competition. The German entry is a two-story 11.1 kW [photovoltaic solar panel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florian-busch-architects) covered cube that outputs more than twice the home's electrical needs. Custom design features include custom-made [vacuum insulation structural panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-energy-storage-solution), a boiler/heat pump system for both hot water and ambient heating, and automatic louver-covered windows. **Implications** - Thanks to the eco-friendly movement, the demand for [energy efficient homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/west-don-ravine-passive-house) is high. Concept homes such as the surPLUShome have managed to come up with extreme solutions to demonstrate how easy it is for consumers to turn their home into something more energy efficient as well as stylish. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Energy Efficient Homes:** A trend towards eco-friendly homes with innovative energy-saving features and systems. - **Solar Photovoltaic Panels:** The growing use of solar panels is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the renewable energy industry as solar energy becomes increasingly cost-competitive. - **Vacuum Insulation Structural Panels:** Innovative insulation systems such as vacuum insulation structural panels are disrupting the building and construction industry by providing high quality, energy-efficient insulation with thinner walls that provide more living space. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy companies have an opportunity to develop increasingly cost-competitive solar panels as awareness of energy-efficient homes and buildings grow. - **Building and Construction:** Industry players who invest in research and development of high-quality insulation systems like vacuum insulation structural panels have a chance to differentiate themselves and disrupt the market by providing energy-efficient solutions that create more comfortable living spaces. - **Home and Interior Design:** Innovative architects and designers who incorporate energy-saving features and sustainable solutions will be able to meet the demand for more eco-friendly and stylish homes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smart Home Energy Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-home-energy.md) - [High-Quality Electric Micro Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmic-one-1.md) - [Sustainable Solar-Powered Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-wanda.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Hydro-Positive Microhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-on-groundwater.md) - [Sustainable Cubic Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appels-architekten.md) - [Water-Powered Family Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breach-house.md) - [Off-Grid Solar Panel Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florian-busch-architects.md) - [Climatic Resilient Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/west-don-ravine-passive-house.md)