2006 Minnesota Solar Tour

The Science Museum of Minnesota designed Science House to operate as a zero-emissions building — producing as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. This is made possible by combining energy conservation and passive solar design with geothermal ground-source heat pump and solar electric technologies. The roof of Science House is clad with an integrated solar electric system that produces its own electricity. A ground-source heat pump, powered by the solar electric system, sucks heat from the ground and circulates it through the building's interior. In winter, south-facing windows let in solar heat, and an air exchanger warms incoming fresh air with stale air going out.

System Components

Directions

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From I-94 (eastbound), exit at Kellogg Boulevard. Continue on Kellogg toward St. Paul city center. Follow signs to Science Museum parking ramp (visitors can access the Museum's parking ramp from Chestnut Street). Enter the Museum by taking the parking ramp elevators to the Lobby Level. Go to the Exhibits entrance and show your Solar Tour passport to the attendant (or request a passport from the attendant if Science House is the starting point of your tour). You will receive a specially colored wristband that provides you access only to the Big Back Yard, the Museum's outdoor science park. Science House is at the west end of the Big Back Yard.

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