Solar Decathlon houses open to the public!
October 9th, 2009
Since we had the pleasure this past summer of meeting the brilliant and devoted Santa Clara University students working on Team California’s entry to the US Department of Energy’s 2009 Solar Decathlon, we’ve been excitedly awaiting the completion of their house and the launch of the competition. (As have they; their solar-powered house of the future, Refract House, has been two years in the making.) But at long last, their design and 19 others from the world’s best and brightest will be on display starting today on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Don’t live in the area? Here’s a sneak-preview of some of our favorites:
- US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu poses for a photo with Team California in front of Refract House. Photo via Flickr: Stefano Paltera/Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon
- Virginia Tech’s Lumenhaus arrives on the National Mall. Photo via Flickr: Angel Borrego Cubero/Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon
- Rice University (TX) students assemble their solar hot-water collector on the roof of ZEROW HOUSE. Photo via Flickr: Stefano Paltera/Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon
- The sun reflects off of Team Spain’s house. Photo via Flickr: Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon
As of today, Team California is in first-place standing, but with six more days of judging in categories like architecture, market viability, lighting design, and home entertainment, it’s anyone’s game.
Solar Decathlon houses will be open for public tours through Oct. 18. Click here for the schedule.
–Jennifer Grayson
Do this now: It may be a few years yet till these solar houses of the future come to a neighborhood near you, but you can start saving energy and lower your electricity bills in your own home today. For tips, check out one of our favorite resources, the DOE’s Energy Savers website.
Related posts:
WATCH: Students build solar-powered home
Refract House: Student-built, sun-powered
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October 10th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I saw the solar houses this weekend. They were really cool and I got some good ideas for new building materials, such as concrete counter tops with recycled glass and sorghum cabinets. Thanks Red, White and Green for making me aware of the exhibition!