U of M chosen to compete in international Solar Decathlon

The University of Minnesota is one of only 20 international teams chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the next Solar Decathlon in 2009. The University of Minnesota is the first and only Minnesota team to ever participate in this competition.

Solar Decathlon logoThe Solar Decathlon is a unique international competition that brings student teams from universities across the United States, Europe and Canada to compete in designing, building and operating highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered houses. The teams assemble their homes on the National Mall in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and open the houses to the public. Last fall, more than 120,000 people toured the homes on the National Mall.

The house is limited in size, but must use only sunlight for power. The home is equipped with appliances, bathroom and cooking facilities. Each house must generate enough energy from the sun to operate a household, a home-based business and related transportation needs. Teams are judged in 10 different categories, seven of which focus on energy efficiency; others include design and comfort of the house. The team with the most points--the most energy-efficient and innovatively designed house--wins.

"We think the Solar Decathlon is a good fit with the University of Minnesota's goal of becoming a leader in renewable energy research and allows students and faculty to work collaboratively with others across the University to solve problems using solar technology," said Steve Crouch, dean of the Institute of Technology, the University's college of engineering, physical sciences and mathematics.

"The Solar Decathlon also provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to showcase their depth and abilities in sustainable design and construction on an international stage," said Thomas Fisher, dean of the University's College of Design, which includes academic majors in architecture, environmental design and housing studies.

After the initial fabrication and testing of the house in various University labs, the team hopes to construct the house on the mall area of the Twin Cities East Bank campus in spring 2009. This exercise will give the U of M team valuable practice in the final disassembly and reconstruction of the house as part of a solar village on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. during the competition in fall 2009.

The total cost of the project is expected to be $1 million. In addition to the Department of Energy $100,000 grant award and a $100,000 match from the University's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, the University will seek an additional $800,000 in funding and in-kind gifts from businesses and alumni.

U of M students and faculty in the Institute of Technology and the College of Design will lead the Solar Decathlon effort. Support will come from several other colleges and student groups throughout the University.

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Courtesy University of Minnesota Institute of Technology http://it.umn.edu/news/archives/08_01SolarDecathlon.html