Tool belts and hard hats have replaced the backpacks and the laptops of some students at Santa Clara University and California College of Arts (CCA) in San Francisco, as they began construction on a solar-powered house for the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 Solar Decathlon.
When the first shipment of lumber and steel arrived at Santa Clara University’s campus early Tuesday morning, the students went right to work, building the core of the 800 square-foot home. A beam of refracted light served as the inspiration for the 2009 home design. Some of the features of the innovative systems include photovoltaic array, high-efficiency inverters, and thermal efficiencies, all of which will help run a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and cook a meal.
The Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, brings together 20 teams from colleges and universities around the world to design, build, and operate the most energy-efficient, attractive, and comfortable house, powered exclusively by the sun. In October, the teams will transport their homes to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., creating a “solar village.”
This year's team is relying on corporate sponsors as well as individual supporters who will make it possible for the team to complete the solar home and compete in the Solar Decathlon. To support Santa Clara's team, you can make a gift online to the Solar Decathlon Fund.
Posted by Anne Volz - Friday, May. 22, 2009
Team California to compete in 2009 Solar Decathlon
