Solar Decathlon 2013

EVENT PROCEEDING AS SCHEDULED

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

Mark your calendar! The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 will take place Oct. 3–13, 2013, at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.

The competition houses will be open to visitors on eight days over two weekends. Public hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily: 

• Thursday, Oct. 3–Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
• Thursday, Oct. 10–Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013.

This free event will showcase 20 highly efficient, solar-powered houses in a specially constructed solar village at the Orange County Great Park. Visitors can gather ideas to use in their own homes and learn about energy-saving features and products that can help them save energy and money.

For more information, see the Orange County Great Park’s media release.

What is the Solar Decathlon?

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges university teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends cost-effectiveness, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002; the competition has since occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011.

Why hold a Solar Decathlon?

The Solar Decathlon serves several purposes. It:

• Demonstrates to the public the opportunities presented by affordable homes that combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems that are available today

• Provides student participants with unique training to help fill jobs in our nation's clean-energy economy

• Fosters collaboration among students from different academic disciplines, including engineering and architecture students, who otherwise may not work together until they enter the workplace

• Promotes an integrated, or "whole building design," approach to new construction, which differs from the traditional design/build process because the team considers the interactions of all building components and systems to create a more comfortable building, save energy, and reduce environmental impact