If the future of the solar energy industry is in the intellect, talent and creativity of today’s college students, then the industry is in good hands. And there is no better example than the 20 university teams selected to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 that will be held Oct. 3-13, 2013, at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif.
The Solar Decathlon, a free public event held this year for the first time outside of Washington, D.C., challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.