10.09.2009

Solar Decathlon Week

I can't say that we have a favorable weather forecast for opening weekend, but positive attitudes and innovative structures will surely make up for some clouds at this year's Solar Decathlon.

The Decathlon is comprised of twenty teams from colleges and universities around the world including many American universities. Each team designs and builds their home months in advance of the competition. As the Decathlon gets closer, the homes are shipped to Washington for reconstruction on the Mall for competition in ten contests.

Each energy-efficient home will compete in the following categories: Architecture, Market Viability, Engineering, Lighting Design, Communications, Comfort Zone, Hot Water, Appliances, Home Entertainment, and Net Metering.

The DOE hopes to not only demonstrating the viability, potential cost savings and flexibility of solar products, but also promotes the next generation of renewable engineers and a greener workforce. For a list of teams, see the Decathlon site!

Important Dates:
• Oct. 8-16—Teams compete in 10 contests
• Oct. 9-13—Houses are open to the public
• Oct. 15-18—Houses are open to the public
• Oct. 19-21—Teams disassemble their houses.

The Solar Decathlon houses will be open for public tours 11 a.m.¬–3 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that all homes will be closed Wed., Oct. 14.

As of this entry, it looks like Team California is ahead followed by Team Ontario. Personally, I'm less about who wins and just very happy for the public exposure to solar power and its benefits.


For more on solar energy check out the following resources:

Solar Energy Industry Association

Solar Electric Power Association
Renewable Energy World
Solar Today

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