The PV-Pod earned a Research and Development Award from Architect, the magazine of the American Institute of Architects. The product is featured on the cover of the publication's July edition.
The PV-Pod offers users an effective and simple way to mount solar panels on rooftops. The actual pod is high-density polyethylene receptacle that is filled with water to provide balance and weight. Solar panels can then be attached to the pods. If a panel needs to be relocated or removed, the water can simply be drained. Once emptied, the PV-Pod can easily be moved, then refilled with water once it's repositioned.
"The roof has been designed to receive water anyway, so there are many levels of why it makes sense," said awards juror Martina Decker.
Meppelink, Vrana and research and design assistant Travis McCarra developed the PV-Pod through their company, Metalab, with applied research grant support from UH Green Building Components (UHGBC).
The first PV-Pod prototype was created in 2009. In 2011, 40 PV-Pods and solar panels were installed on the of the Houston Permitting Center at 1001 Washington Ave.
"This is a big award for us," said Meppelink, director of UH Green Building Components. "The PV-Pod is a product that can have major implications on the solar and architectural industries. We're really pleased that it is recognized by Architect magazine."
This award complements another recent honor received by Meppelink and Vrana this year. In June, their company Metalab was named "Artist of the Year" by Architecture Center Houston. An exhibition at the center showcased Meppelink and Vrana's numerous works including three that were supported by UH Green Building Components. In addition to the PV-POD, UHGBC products include
-- Solar Powered Adaptive Container for Everyone (SPACE) - a recycled shipping container that was transformed into solar-powered trailer
-- gro-POD - an elevated gardening module that allows users to grow plants and vegetables in just about any environment.
Provided by University of Houston
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