Photo: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
This week 20 university-led teams will descended on the National Mall along with high-tech, high-efficiency solar-powered homes they have built for the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.
More than 800 students from the United States, Canada, Spain and Germany will compete in this international competition that takes place in Washington, D.C., Oct. 8 -18. It will showcase high-efficiency, solar-powered homes that include the latest high-tech solutions and money-saving features. The overall winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 16. This is the fourth time DOE has held the competition since 2002.
Homes will open to the public beginning Oct. 9 and will be open for tours through Oct. 18. The Solar Decathlon includes 10 contests that evaluate the architecture, engineering, comfort, marketability, appliances, lighting and other aspects of the teams’ houses. The teams will have to perform everyday tasks, including cooking, laundry and washing dishes, to test the energy efficiency of their homes.
Visit theSolar Decathlon websiteto meet this year’s teams.
