Competition
Competition Overview
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is one of the most visible and exclusive international design competitions in the world. The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams from all around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The purpose of the competition is to:
- Educate the public about the cost-effective and environmental benefits of clean-energy products and design solutions
- Demonstrate the comfort and affordability of energy-efficient homes
- Provide a unique professional development opportunity that prepares participants to enter the clean-energy workforce
Brief History
The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002 and has occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy moved the competition venue from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. This year, on Oct. 8, the 10-day competition will return to the Orange County Great Park.
Public exhibit/visitation days are Oct. 8-11th and Oct. 15-18th
Like the Olympic Decathlon, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon consists of 10 contests, each worth a maximum of 100 points. Teams earn points in three ways: task completion, monitored performance and jury evaluation. The contests are divided into two categories: Juried Contests and Measured Contests.
Juried Contests
Contests based on jury evaluation. Competition juries are made up of experts in their fields.
Architecture Contest
Is the house attractive and high-performing with solar power and energy efficiency integrated into the design?
Communications
How educational, creative, integrated, comprehensive and well-delivered are the team’s communication efforts?
Marketability
Does the house appeal to its target market? Is it livable, buildable and a good value for home buyers?
Engineering
Is the incorporated technology innovative, functional, efficient, reliable and documented correctly?
Affordability
Do construction costs meet or exceed the $250,000 target? *If over budget, points will be awarded on a sliding scale.
Measured Contests
Contests based on task completion or monitored performance.
Comfort Zone
Is the house’s humidity and temperature maintained at a comfortable level? *Full points are awarded to houses kept between 71 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit with less than 60% humidity.
Appliances
Do all of the house’s appliances mimic the performance of the average Orange County household?
Home Life
How well does the house accommodate the pleasures of living?
Commuting
Can the house charge an electrical vehicle that simulates the typical Orange County driving pattern? *Full points are awarded to teams that drive 25 miles, in less than two hours, at least eight times during the week of competition.
Energy Balance
How balanced are the house’s energy production and consumption rates? *Full points are awarded to houses that achieve a net-energy consumption of zero during the competition.