Solar Decathlon Opens to the Public

The National Mall: Location of Solar Decathlon showcase

This Friday on the National Mall, the doors will finally open to the public to view solar-powered homes presented by competitors in the Solar Decathlon. For the next two weeks (except Wednesday October 14), you can come to Washington D.C. and take a look at some of the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered houses, designed, constructed and operated by 20 college and university teams.  The solar village will be located between 10th Street and 14th Street and between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive, accessible from the Smithsonian Metro Station.

Did I mention that its FREE?

No, the Solar Decathlon is not an actual race… unless you consider the race to implement viable renewable energy resources one that we cannot afford to lose.  The Decathlon is held every two years, with the last event in 2007, and the first one taking place in 2002.

Come and get inspired this weekend!

Solar panels on view at the Solar Decathlon this weekend

The U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring the contest for which engineering and architecture students from all over the world have been preparing for the past two years to come up with examples of solar-powered homes to showcase solar energy’s potential.  According to a recent CNET article:

Teams are judged by architects and designers in 10 categories, including lighting design, the market viability of their projects, and architectural design.

Whether you want to be awed by the latest solar design/technology, or impressed by the practicality of other solar installations, the solar powered homes run the spectrum from simply sustainable to impressively ingenious.  The only constant is that the homes are no larger than 800-square feet.

Who will win this year’s Solar Decathlon?

While many of the homes here cost over $500,000 to build, Rice University says that its prototype Zerow House costs $140,000 to build. With smaller panels, it could be made for $80,000. Like Team Boston, the Rice team has found a buyer for their house after the completion.

Don't miss the solar decathlon in Washington D.C. from Oct. 9-18

Each of the hard-working teams have reassembled the solar homes they designed on the National Mall.  They’ll remain in place for two weeks, running entirely on solar power for the duration of the event.  Many of the homes rely on both “direct” solar power (using photovoltaic panels and/or solar cells), and passive solar energy.  Here’s a quick list of the other features you’ll find if you head to the National Mall this weekend:

• Heat pumps to cool/heat buildings
• Microinverters to change the D/C from solar panels to A/C for your outlets – they also increase efficiency by 10%
• Daylighting (a specific components of passive solar), including use of south-facing windows and internal window coverings
• “Green” building materials, including blue jeans insulation or reclaimed wood

If you go:  Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu is scheduled to speak at the Solar Decathlon opening ceremony Thursday afternoon. The solar-powered homes will be open to the public starting on Friday the 9th, through the 18th of October from 11-3 (M-F) and 10-5 (weekends), excepting Wednesday, October 14.  Consumer workshops are also offered: be sure to check the official website for details.

Intrigued by the Solar Decathlon?  Want to compete in 2011?  Better get moving… the requests for proposals (RFPs) are due in just over a month on November 19, 2009.  Your team will be notified in December this year if it is eligible to compete.

Tags: department of energy, national mall, solar decathlon, solar village, solar-powered homes