Solar Decathlon

This past Sunday as I stepped out of the Smithsonian metro station, I was greeted by dust, noise, and solar panels. This coming weekend and next, houses from the 2009 Solar Decathlon will be on display on the mall. It’s a DOE-sponsored college competition “to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.” And from what I saw of construction yesterday, the houses look really cool!

I love that the contest goes beyond just producing more energy than the house consumes. There are objective contests, naturally, like delivering 15 gallons of hot water (110°F) at in 10 minutes or less, maintaining an indoor temperature between 72°F and 76°F, and washing and drying 10 loads of laundry throughout the week. But there are also subjective categories, like curb appeal, effectively communicating the design to the public, holding dinner parties for neighbors, and providing inspiration by incorporating unusual materials or design solutions. Contestants have to give equal consideration in their design to engineering, architecture, and marketability.

I know it helps that I love modern, functional design, but I would love to own my own solar house! Well, when I’m ready to be tied to a mortgage, of course...