Solar Decathlon:
Innovation Through Competition

Solar Decathlon:
Innovation Through Competition

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design and build leading-edge net-zero houses on a central site, ultimately presenting them to tens of thousands of visitors. This year, Denver hosts the competition which will runs from October 5-15, 2017.

Students will present their unique solutions for the residential market, integrating new technologies and innovation in a controlled environment. These carefully designed 900-square-foot houses showcase the latest in architectural design for a low-impact lifestyle. Students are encouraged to consider cost-effective architectural and engineering design, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and optimal occupant health and comfort. This year the competition has been enhanced with new contests emphasizing innovation, water use and reuse strategies, smart energy use and market potential.

Joe Simon, a former student team leader and current competition manager for the Department of Energy, will describe past team innovations and provide sneak previews of the 2017 Solar Decathlon team houses, showcasing ideas that will be commonplace in 5-10 years. Visit solardecatholon.gov for more information.