Following its win at the 2011 Solar Decathlon event, the University of Maryland has found a buyer for its winning entry, WaterShed. Pepco, the electric service provider, has purchased the solar-powered house and will transport the building to one of its facilities in Montgomery County, Maryland where it will act as a ‘living classroom’ to illustrate the clean energy possibilities.
The agreement will see Pepco collaborate with the University on the building’s operation and will monitor its performance, conduct research and work towards the development and publication of educational materials, including conferences, educational presentations and occasional public tours.
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Watershed will also serve as an energy testing facility for Pepco, which produces smart thermostats and home-based electric vehicle charging stations.
Watershed was disassembled and moved from the National Mall to College Park following its Solar Decathlon win in 2011. Pepco was the winning bidder in the process because its intentions for Watershed were in line with those of the University.
“The team is thrilled with Pepco's commitment because it ensures that WaterShed will continue to have a public voice,” said Amy Gardner, an associate professor of architecture at the University Maryland. “WaterShed speaks to the viability and untapped potential of sustainable strategies and technologies. It reminds us of the task before us – stewardship of the environment in which we live. The partnership of the University with Pepco to further develop and teach these strategies is a fitting homage to the collaborative nature of the project.”
