The fifth US Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon wrapped up over the first weekend of October and US Energy Secretary Steven Chu was on hand to announce the winners for the 2011 competition held in Washington, DC. The University of Maryland was named as the overall winner for its design, build and operation of the most cost effective, energy efficient and attractive solar powered house in the competition. Purdue University came in second place with Team New Zealand, made up of Victoria University of Wellington, finishing third.
The collegiate teams competed in 10 contests during the 10 day decathlon with each contest measuring the house’s performance, livability and affordability. Each team performed everyday tasks in its house, including cooking, laundry and cleaning dishes so that the energy efficiency of the house was able to be tested. Out of a possible 1,000 points in the competition, Maryland earned 951.151 points to take home the top prize.
“This competition to build innovative, highly energy-efficient homes has been two years in the making, and all of these teams must be commended for their hard work,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “The houses on display blend affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. These talented students are demonstrating to consumers the wide range of energy-saving solutions that are available today to save them money on their energy bills.”
In addition to the overall Solar Decathlon 2011 results announced, the Market Appeal Contest, which evaluates the livability of each house and its appeal to the housing market, announced its winner. Middlebury College took home first place scoring 95 out of a possible 100 points with the University of Maryland finishing second scoring 94 points.
For the complete list of competition results, details about the individual contests and information about how to apply for Solar Decathlon 2013, click here.
