WRAP_Research_Assistant_Housing_Futures Lab of KY

Job Title
WRAP_Research_Assistant_Housing_Futures Lab of KY


Requisition Number
DU13705


Department Name
8N100:School of Architecture


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Salary Range
$15 to $20


Type of Position
Student


Position Time Status
Part-Time


Required Education

Design Major’s preferred but not required. Must be enrolled at the University of Kentucky as an undergraduate/graduate student.



Required Related Experience

Design Major’s preferred but not required. Must be enrolled at the University of Kentucky as an undergraduate/graduate student.



Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a



Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.



Shift

Shift is variable, 8 to 12 hours per week during the semester.
Fall 25 and Spring 26 Semesters.



Job Summary

Project Overview
Attempts at mass solarization of suburban and rural residential environments have run into two significant barriers – (1) physical orientation and shade cover of existing structures and (2) affordable financing options for the photovoltaic (PV) system. Drawing inspiration from the accessory dwelling unit (ADU), the AEU addresses these challenges by combining on-site PV generation with a stand-alone structure that can be optimally oriented and independently
financed, while providing household energy and storage solutions. Existing homes were seldom oriented with PV in mind. Furthermore, many homes rely on shade trees for a solar break, ironically reducing heat gain while undermining solar. Due to its accessory nature, an AEU could be placed in an optimal orientation as well as out from under shade. The more prevalent barrier to solar is financial. Residential arrays are typically financed either through home equity loans, a lease arrangement with an installer, or an unsecured loan. The underwriting requirements for all three are robust, excluding most low-to-moderate income households in both urban and rural areas.
By integrating solar into the shed itself, the entire unit can be financed and collateralized for a broader market of people. Lenders are more comfortable with a unified product as collateral than having to recover PV panels attached to a home, allowing them to offer a lower interest rate than they might otherwise. This line of inquiry is informed by current practice. Shed manufacturers already provide financing for factory-built structures, secured by the shed itself. AEUs have the potential to significantly impact the solarization market.

Research Activities
The student will research and document the following areas in support of developing a prototype and business plan for commercialization.

• Construction details for the structure, foundation, and deployable PV roof
• Sizing of solar array and equipment
• Technical requirements for residential solar
• Sourcing and pricing for equipment and materials
• Current industry environment and changes in public policy



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

Qualifications

Students in design, engineering, business, and policy fields (or related) encouraged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate competence in some combination of the following.

• Utilizing on-line and physical library resources
• Construction and fabrication
• Residential electrical systems and/or Photovoltaic systems
• Sustainability and energy policy
• Business planning
• Written communication and visual narrative



Deadline to Apply
08/29/2025


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