By Steven Lincoln College of Technology Senior Writer/Editor
I told my parents last week that I was traveling to Washington, D.C., to help cover Purdue’s Solar Decathlon team Sept. 20-24. As we discussed it further, I realized that I hadn’t prefaced my announcement with any explanation. They were left wondering if I was covering a sporting event or something similar. So, before I immerse myself (and you) into the 2011 Solar Decathlon event, here is short primer about the event. What it is (This is straight from the media guide) “The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a competition that challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-power houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in.” There are 19 teams this year, including teams from New Zealand, China and Belgium. Why it’s called a “decathlon” There are 10 contests within the competition that the teams are judged on. They range from affordability, market appeal, appliances, hot water, and more. Each contest is worth 100 points. The goal is to generate at least as much electricity as is needed to effectively operate everything in the home. This is called “net-zero” energy. This goal pushes teams to think creatively about the structure, appliances, and other issues that affect the overall consumption of energy. When the public is able to tour the homes on the National Mall (near the Jefferson Memorial), they can learn about the things that can be done now or will be available soon to help reduce reliance on non-solar electricity. So, let me know if you have other questions that I can try to find out while I'm at the competition. Leave a comment here, send me a message on Twitter (@techpurdue), or comment on the College of Technology Facebook page. I’m looking forward to what’s in store – and I hope you are, too. (Photo:Provided by the Purdue IN_Home team, it shows one of the final stages of the construction phase in D.C.: the signage (also important for the contests)).