High-Tech, Solar-Powered Homes Coming to the National Mall for the Department of Energy’s 3rd Solar Decathlon

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WASHINGTON, DC – Next week, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) third Solar Decathlon will bring students from 20 of the world’s leading universities to Washington, DC, to transform the National Mall into a solar village.  In preparation for a fierce competition that will take place from October 12 – 20, teams will begin on Wednesday, October 3rd, assembling highly energy efficient homes powered entirely by the sun that are likely to help shape America’s clean energy future.  The Solar Decathlon complements President Bush’s Solar America Initiative, which seeks to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity by 2015.  This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to tour the solar village.

WASHINGTON, DC – Next week, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) third Solar Decathlon will bring students from 20 of the world’s leading universities to Washington, DC, to transform the National Mall into a solar village.  In preparation for a fierce competition that will take place from October 12 – 20, teams will begin on Wednesday, October 3rd, assembling highly energy efficient homes powered entirely by the sun that are likely to help shape America’s clean energy future.  The Solar Decathlon complements President Bush’s Solar America Initiative, which seeks to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity by 2015.  This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to tour the solar village.

“President Bush believes technological innovation is key to increasing and diversifying our energy supply, helping ensure a growing and prosperous America and a cleaner environment,” Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said.  “The Solar Decathlon highlights ingenuity and entrepreneurial environmentalism as future engineers and architects produce homes that generate all the energy they need without sacrificing style and comfort.”

University-led teams will come from across the United States, Spain, Germany, and Canada to design, build, and operate the most efficient and attractive solar-powered homes.  Many of the solar power and building technologies that will be showcased on the National Mall are currently available for purchase and use.  Teams have worked for more than two years designing, building and testing their homes – this competition is the culmination of that work.

For a schedule of events go to: US Dept of Energy

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