Solar Power Comes to the Mall

Starting tomorrow (Oct. 9), energy-efficient homes designed by college students from around the country will be open for public viewing along Washington's National Mall.

The homes were designed by 20 teams of students for the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon, the fourth such event to take place since 2002.

Each of the teams have spent countless hours grappling with the challenges of incorporating energy-efficient elements such as solar panels, rain-catching systems and sustainable materials into their designs. They then had to raise funds, collect supplies and work with contractors to construct the homes. Once done, the teams then had to dissemble the homes for transport to D.C. where were reassembled for the three weeks of competition and public viewing.

To qualify, the homes must be powered exclusively by the sun, and must also meet the following criteria:

Be attractive and easy to live in Maintain comfortable and healthy indoor environmental conditions Feature appealing and adequate lighting Supply energy to household appliances for cooking and cleaning Power home electronics Provide hot water Balance energy production and consumption.

During the competition, the teams receive points for their performance in 10 contests (just like in the Olympic decathlon) judging the homes' attributes, including architecture, engineering, home entertainment and market viability, among others.

The Solar Decathlon houses will be open to the public from Oct. 9 through Oct. 13 and again from Oct. 15 through Oct. 18 on the Mall between Ninth and 14th streets NW. Admission is free. For more information, click here.

I don't know about you, but this puts my college experience to shame -- of course, I was a Drama and English major...

Photo courtesy of Stefano Paltera, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.