October 19, 2009

Let the Sun Shine!

Competition heats up at the U.S. Department of Energy 2009 Solar Decathlon

By TFK Reporter Rebecca Joskow

Have you ever wondered what you will be when you grow up? Perhaps you have thought of becoming an architect or an engineer or an environmentalist. Here's good news: You can combine all of these career goals by designing, building and operating a solar-powered house.

STEFANO PALTERA—U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SOLAR DE A solar village: Visitors view the energy-efficient houses on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C.

That is what students from 20 universities did as they competed in the U.S. Department of Energy 2009 Solar Decathlon. Like a game show where teams face off against each other, the Solar Decathlon's student teams competed against each other in ten separate events to see who could build the best solar-powered house. The competition started on October 8. Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman announced the winners on October 16. The team from Germany took the top honors.

The Promise of Our Future

Team Germany earned 908.29 points out of a possible 1,000 to win the top prize. The University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign scored 897.30 points and came in second. Team California grabbed third place with 863.089. "We have seen terrific efforts by all the teams," Poneman said. "The ingenuity that comes from individual effort is the promise of our future."

The contest is held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and is open to the public. In order to win, the decathlon teams have to successfully host a dinner party, wash laundry, run the dishwasher, and maintain a comfortable temperature in their solar-powered houses. They are also judged on how attractive their houses look. Team Germany's winning "Cube House" produced a surplus of power even during three days of rain.

An Interview with the Decathlon's Director

Richard J. King, the Director of the Solar Decathlon at the U.S. Department of Energy, answered TFK's questions about the contest.

TFK:

How did you come up with the idea for the Solar Decathlon?

King:

I work at the Department of Energy. We do research on solar and building technologies. In the 1990s, I was seeking expertise to help design houses that would integrate solar systems in a reliable way. I came up with the idea of having a competition to challenge students at architecture and engineering schools to design solar-powered houses from the ground up. I thought that having a competition would motivate these students to be innovative and creative and come up with solutions that would help our country.

TFK:

What is the purpose of the Solar Decathlon?

COURTESY JOSKOW FAMILY Rebecca chats with a member of Team Germany.

King:

I hope this contest will help educate students on how to build energy-efficient, self-sustaining houses. Also, by coming here on the National Mall and demonstrating the solar houses to the public and homeowners, [the contestants can show] people that solar energy really works and that energy-efficient products pay off and can look wonderfully beautiful. I hope all of this work that the students are doing will encourage more people to purchase solar technologies and energy-efficient technologies.

TFK:

What surprised you about the houses that were built this year?

King:

I was pleasantly surprised at the level of sophistication and beautiful designs of the houses. This is the fourth time we've held the Solar Decathlon. The bar keeps getting raised, and the houses keep getting better and better.

TFK:

Which of the ten contests was the most difficult?

King:

The most difficult competition is washing clothes. It takes a lot of energy to wash clothes.

TFK:

Would you like to live in a solar-powered house?

King:

I do live in a solar-powered house! My house has solar panels on the roof that supply electricity. I also have south facing windows to let the sunlight into my house. I haven't paid an electric bill in the past six months!

TFK:

What would you suggest kids study in order to become engineers?

King:

Kids should study science, physics and math. To be an engineer you've got to learn how to make things, and usually you have to calculate it first. If you're interested in how the world works-which is essentially science-you're well on your way to a great engineering career.

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