German University Wins DOE’s 2007 Solar Decathlon

Germany's Technische Universität Darmstadt's home entry.

Germany took the gold against the U.S., but in this competition everybody wins in the race for energy efficiency.

Germany’s Technische Universität Darmstadt has earned top honors in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon competition held in Washington, D.C. During a two-week period, the 2007 Solar Decathlon challenged twenty university-led teams from the U.S. and as far away as Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, and Canada to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home.

Technische Universität Darmstadt earned 888.45 points out of a possible 1,200 to win, followed by University of Maryland with 872.45 and Santa Clara University with 860.80.

Teams have worked for more than two years designing, building and testing their homes, which were then shipped to the National Mall in Washington D.C. in early October – transforming it into a showcase of cutting-edge solar and building technologies.

The Solar Decathlon homes are net-zero-energy, yield zero carbon, and include the latest high-tech solutions and money-saving benefits to consumers without sacrificing comfort, convenience, and aesthetics. Each house must also produce enough extra energy to power an electric vehicle. Many of the solar power and building technologies showcased on the National Mall are currently available for purchase and use.

Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman congratulated the winning teams at the closing ceremonies of the Decathlon, and announced over $44 million in support of the commercialization and promotion of advanced solar and other clean energy technologies.

University of Maryland's home entry. Santa Clara University's home entry.

“The Solar Decathlon is a great demonstration of the ways in which technology, science and design can be blended in the production of net-zero-energy homes,” Bodman said. “Promoting the early commercialization of solar and other energy efficient technologies will help secure America’s clean energy future.”

Of the ten contests, Communications, Lighting, Comfort Zone, Appliances, Hot Water, Energy Balance, and Getting Around are each worth up to 100 points. The Architecture contest is worth up to 200 points, followed by Engineering and Market Viability, which are each worth up to 150 points and are scored subjectively. Performance was measured and points were awarded daily through the competition.

The U.S. Department of Energy sponsored this year’s Solar Decathlon, along with its National Renewable Energy Laboratory; the American Institute of Architects; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers; the National Association of Homebuilders; the U.S. Green Building Council; and private-sector sponsors BP and Sprint.

For more information, including a complete of teams and overall contest results, go to www.solardecathlon.org [1].