WASHINGTON, Oct 14, 2005 /PRNewswire

 

U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today announced that the University of Colorado took overall honors in the 2005 Solar Decathlon on the National Mall. Cornell University placed second, and California Polytechnic State University finished third. The houses will remain open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 16.

"We should all be proud of what these students have accomplished," Energy Secretary Bodman said. "Through their ingenuity, their knowledge of design and engineering, and an incredible amount of determination and hard work, they have demonstrated that we can have it all beautiful homes, comfortable homes, and homes that produce all the power they need."

The University of Colorado ended up with 853 points of a possible 1,100. Cornell University earned 826 points, and California Polytechnic State University finished with 809 points.

The 2005 Solar Decathlon pitted 18 collegiate teams from the U.S. including Puerto Rico, Canada and Spain in a competition to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. Students competed in 10 areas, ranging from architecture, livability and comfort to how well the homes provide energy for space heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, and appliances. Each house also had to produce enough "extra" power for an electric car.

The primary sponsor of the Solar Decathlon is DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Private-sector sponsors include the American Institute of Architects, the National Association of Home Builders, BP Solar, the DIY (Do It Yourself) Network and Sprint Nextel.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Energy

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