The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon began last week with an impressive display of energy saving homes on the National Mall in Washington D.C. This unique, biennial program – which runs through October 2, 2011 – challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-
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Solar Decathlon
Decathlon, a U.S. Department of Energy initiative, is well under way, with solar power innovators scrambling to get their projects ready for the competition. This year the event takes place at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., between tomorrow (23) and October 2.
Solar power has been used since the ancient times as it is one of the easiest, most efficient, and most available sources of renewable energy existent. Because of its affordable price tag and the fact it is a constant source of energy; many locations throughout the world have harnessed the power of
Virginia Tech’s Lumenhaus was just awarded the grand prize at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 in Madrid, beating out the University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim by less than one point in the event’s inaugural year. University of Florida’s RE:Focus also shined, bringing home the public choice award via public online voting. In its first year to be hosted internationally, this was a great showing by American Universities and a promising sign for the future of the US design and engineering industry.
Virginia Tech’s ‘Lumenhaus’ is a flexible pavilion style home inspired by Mies Van Der Rohe’s Farnsworth house. Large glass walls to the North and South are shaded by their custom designed ‘Eclipse System’ which has the ability to slide open with the glass allowing the occupant to become more in tune with nature. Rainwater collection, radiant floor heating and sun tracking solar PV panels are just a few of the