Students build solar village on National Mall
Decathlon shows visitors that solar homes are viable
| AUDIO | VIDEO |
By Mark E. Heckathorn
American University Interactive Journalism Program
Fall 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Architectural and engineering students from the University of Technology in Darmstadt, Germany, won first place in the 2007 Solar Decathlon that was held on the National Mall and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The University of Maryland finished second and Santa Clara University placed third.
Visitors to the 2007 Solar Decathlon look at a photovoltaic panel. Click above to hear Decathlon Director Richard King discuss solar viability.
The three teams were among 20 groups from colleges and universities around the world to test their skills in the solar competition.
The decathlon’s goal is to reduce the cost of solar-powered homes and advance solar technology. The teams can earn up to 1,200 points in 10 categories ranging from architecture and engineering to maintaining an inside temperature between 72 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit and how well they communicate the solar message.
Visitors to the National Mall view the solar display and visit the 20 solar houses. Click above to hear what categories the teams are judged on.
The students had to design and build a home that ran solely on solar power to meet all of its energy needs. Large photovoltaic panels were integrated into the houses’ designs to collect energy from the sun to provide electricity, heat and hot water, and even power an electric car they drove around the Mall.
The one-story, 500- to 800-square feet houses had to meet building and fire codes, and be handicapped accessible.
“We give out $100,000 grants now to get their projects underway and it’s about a third of their costs,” said Solar Decathlon Director Richard King of the Department of Energy. The rest of the money comes from the schools or corporate sponsors.
The contest is changing people’s perception of solar energy.
“We need to change the paradigm thinking of most Americans that solar is here today, it looks good, and it works,” King said. “So you go in these houses and they look very modern. They have all the modern conveniences in them. You want people to know that solar can provide all their energy needs without any sacrifice. I don’t need to put on a sweater in winter or dim my lights or something like that, and they look just fantastic. They are beautiful houses.”
