This Thursday, September 22, marks the kickoff of the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathalon in Washington, DC. The Solar Decathalon promotes awareness of the benefits of US and San Diego solar energy by allowing teams of college students to construct solar-powered houses. Dubbed “solar village,” the houses have been built in National Mall’s West Potomac Park.
In addition to bringing positive attention to the benefits of solar, the Solar Decathalon also promises to educate consumers on how they can potentially save money and energy by installing solar panels in their homes. Solar electricity, air heaters, water heaters, pool heaters and more are all a reality – and this event demonstrates how they can be used efficiently. Judges will grade the houses based on their use of solar power, energy performance and the house’s livability.
The students powering the event come from nineteen universities in five different countries, and their houses will be available for the public to see between 12:30 p.m. on September 22 and October 2. Judges will announce the winner on October 1. This event benefits the students as well – it gives them valuable experience working with solar energy and installation, and this project can help prepare them for a job in clean energy. The Obama administration’s focus on transitioning to solar and wind energy could create thousands of new jobs in alternative energy, and events like the Solar Decathalon help train students and foster excitement for solar power.
For more information on solar power, visit solar panels San Diego provider Solaire online.
Nice project! I think people need to read more articles like this, learn and motivate others. Thanks!
ReplyDeletehow big are the solar houses? this is a really cool project!
ReplyDeleteWill the houses by used for people to actually live in
ReplyDeleteIs it expensive to install solar panels at your house?
ReplyDelete