Last Friday, September 23rd, started the 2011 Solar Decathlon with 20 teams competing for the best solar-powered house around. Each collegiate team has been asked to “design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive.” These 20 innovative homes will be on display at National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C until October 2nd.
Leading the way are University of Maryland and Purdue University. According to U.S. Department of Energy, who has been spearheading this competition since 2002, the winner will be the team “that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.”
Take a look at the scene on the National Mall this week.
Aerial view of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 in Washington, D.C. (Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
Aerial view of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 in Washington, D.C. (Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
To learn more about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon visit www.solardecathlon.gov.
