U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon The U.S. Department of
Energy Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that
challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate
solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient,
and attractive. In addition to showcasing the cost savings and
environmental benefits of market-ready solar technologies, the
event encourages participating students to think in new ways
about incorporating practical, affordable clean-energy solutions
into residential applications. The next event will take place
October 3–13, 2013, at Orange County Great Park in Irvine,
California. The competition houses will be open to visitors on
eight days over two weekends: - Thursday, Oct. 3–Sunday, Oct. 6,
2013 - Thursday, Oct. 10–Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 Open to the
public free of charge daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Solar
Decathlon enables visitors to tour the houses, gather ideas to
use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can
help them save money. The te