Solar Village Inspires Desires

Sure, solar energy sounds swell. But can you really run your HDTV, hot tub, radiant heating system and gourmet espresso machine on a bunch of sunshine?

Of course, the answer is "yes," and to prove it, a set of talented university teams have each designed fully functional "zero-energy" solar homes.

A zero-energy home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, "produces as much energy from renewable sources, such as the sun and wind, as it consumes. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net-zero energy consumption from the utility provider — usually measured on an annual basis." The most efficient, livable solar-powered home will win a competition called the Solar Decathlon — now in process on the Washington Mall.

For 10 days, 20 prototype homes will be lined up along the Washington Mall, and while students don't have to live there full-time, they could.

According to an article in the New York Times, "The houses, which are limited to 800 square feet, are fully outfitted with furniture, appliances and furnishings — even sheets, towels and books. Team members ... have to do household activities like cooking and washing clothes, and are judged on whether their systems can maintain comfortable air temperatures and produce enough hot water. The television has to be left on six hours each day, to demonstrate that there is enough electricity for entertainment."

What does all this mean to you? It's your opportunity for one-stop renewable energy shopping. In fact, each team has produced a list of the products it used to create its home — and all of them are easily available at your local appliance shop.

In addition, most of the homes on display in Washington, D.C., are actually for sale. Most were built for less than $200,000, which means you could potentially pick up a bargain (assuming you're willing and able to relocate the building). In fact, no one has ever bought a Solar Decathlon home to live in yet, but many are still in use as research facilities on campuses around the country.

Who knows? One or more of these handsome, homey, high tech habitats could become the poster dwelling for a solar revolution.

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng