Solar Decathlon 2011 Showcases Affordable, Attractive, Energy Efficient Solar Homes
U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 Showcases Affordable, Attractive, Energy Efficient Solar Homes
By Liz Milner, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Visitor Liaison
In a recent issue of Update, the Northern Virginia Association of Realtor’s magazine, a local realtor spoke of the frustration he feels when his clients ask to see Green homes and all he can offer them is cork flooring and retrofitted windows. The real estate market hasn’t responded in a meaningful way to the public’s growing desire for energy efficient, truly Green Houses.
The U.S. Department of Energy is attempting to change this. From September 23 to October 2, on the National Mall’s West Potomac Park, industry stakeholders, builders and the general public can see affordable, attractive, energy-efficient homes at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011.
The Solar Decathlon is a contest and demonstration of solar powered homes that is designed to raise awareness by presenting state-of-the-art examples of livable solar homes. Twenty teams of college students from all over the world enter solar homes that they design, build and operate. The winner of the competition, in the words of DOE website, is “the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.” The Solar Decathlon 2011 teams represent a diverse range of design approaches; building technologies; and geographic locations, climates, and regions (including urban, suburban, and rural settings). They also aim to reach a variety of target markets.
The competition gives students hands-on experience with solar construction and creates a whole generation of architects, designers, engineers who know how to integrate solar technology into home construction.
The solar houses are evaluated in 10 contests:
- Architecture contest (juried)
- Market Appeal contest (juried)
- Engineering contest (juried)
- Communications contest (juried)
- Affordability contest (juried)
- Comfort Zone contest (measured)
- Hot Water contest (measured)
- Appliances contest (measured)
- Home Entertainment contest (measured and juried)
- Energy Balance contest (measured).
Tours and workshops for the public, middle and school students and building industry professionals will be presented. These will cover everything from managing electrical bills to sustainable home design and construction.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon has grown into one of the most highly anticipated design competitions ever held. Thousands of people visit the National Mall to see the practical housing solutions developed by competing colleges and universities.
If you want to get a preview of the immense potential of solar homes and gain insights into sustainable construction features that are available to your clients right now, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 is the place to be!
The event is open to the public from September 23 to October 2. You can find out more by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon web site at http://www.solardecathlon.gov/index.html.
Liz Milner
lizmilner@m[email protected]
http://lizmilner.com
Leave a Reply
Real Estate Search
Meet Arbour Realty
Homes Near Orange Line
Homes Near Silver Line
Categories
- 365 Things to Do in Arlington
- Arlington Real Estate
- Fairfax County Real Estate and Community
- Northern VA Real Estate and Community
- Home Buying Advice
- Home Selling Advice
- Investment Spotlight
- Green Homes
- Green Ideas
- Consumer Advice
- New Construction
- Video – Market Update
- Arbour Realty
