The Solar Decathlon is a DOE-sponsored university competition to design and build a marketable solar-powered house. It's held every few years in DC, and just wrapped up another successful season.
Pictures:
My alma mater, the University of Colorado, won the previous two competitions. This year however it was not to be, as Technische Universität Darmstadt came away with the victory. German engineering FTW.
This is the German entry. It very cleverly uses window blinds to mount its photovoltaics, eliminating the need for a sloped roof.
The Colorado entry (below) finished seventh out of 20. They used cheap industrial equipment, with the idea that homes could be mass produced inexpensively.
Other entries:
Third place Santa Clara University
The competition isn't just about solar power. Teams are judged on a host of green issues.
Of course it wouldn't be a Washington event without educational displays!
Meh. I could see it replacing the terra cotta. Would take a little getting used to, though.
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