Project Info
Solar Decathlon Collegiate Competition
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered homes. The solar homes are designed to blend affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. Penn State University (PSU) competed in the 2007 and 2009 competitions. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) participated in the 2007 competition. WPPSEF provided support to both the CMU and PSU teams when they competed. Student teams worked to design and construct the home on their campuses. The homes were then disassembled and transported to the competition site – the National Mall in Washington D.C. Homes are judged by a national panel of experts and are opened for tours to the general public. The homes resided on the National Mall for approximately 8 days. CMU entered its TriPOD design in 2007. PSU entered its MorningStar design 2007 and its Natural Fusion home in 2009. WPPSEF provided $75,000 to support CMU and PSU efforts.
Impact
Innovative solar PV integrated designs
Produced net-zero energy homes
Engaged over 1,000 students and faculty
Over 500,000 visitors in 2007 & 2009 competitions
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