My Two Cents

Oct 8 2009 1:20PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (3) |
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By Susan Bady

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of 20 colleges and universities from around the world competing in the Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon, and they are justifiably proud. Their entry, the BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home, will be among the contestants vying for "most attractive and energy-efficient home" starting today through October 16 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The 800-square-foot BeauSoleil Home is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and can be elevated in flood-prone regions. It can also be powered entirely by the sun,  collects its own water and utilizes natural breezes to reduce energy consumption. Moreover, it's pleasing to look at, with wide exterior porches and other elements of early Cajun cottages, and is designed to be affordable when mass-produced.

Over the next eight days, the UL Lafayette team will operate and simulate living in the BeauSoleil Home. Check out the array of videos at beausoleilhome.org. Whether it wins the Decathlon or not, it's a wonderful, worthwhile project.