Students from All Over the World Compete in Solar Decathlon Europe 2010

College and university students from all over the world are preparing for the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010.

Once selected, students from nine countries will design and build real self-sufficient, solar-powered homes. The teams have 10 days to assemble their solar homes onsite at the Solar Village.

Based on the United States Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon, this marks the first time a Solar Decathlon has been held in Europe. Each home, competing in ten contests, will be chosen by 18 internationally renowned experts.

The categories include architecture, engineering and construction, solar systems, electrical energy balance, comfort, appliances, communications and social awareness, industrialization and market viability, innovation and sustainability. The judges will review and evaluate each project, then personally visit each home. Lastly, the judges will deliberate and share ideas and opinions.

Here is a sneak peak at the two American entrants:

University of Florida’s Re:Focus Home

Team Florida combines elements from the historic Florida Cracker home with “back-to-basics approach to energy conservation” in the Re:Focus home.

Recycled materials were used in the design and construction of the one-bedroom, 800 square-foot home. Solar collectors are actually integrated into the building’s skin and stainless steel, high energy performance appliances are used in the home.

A covered open porch, insulated glass doors, adjustable exterior shading and LED lamps are just a few of the many features of the Re:Focus house. The customizable house allows potential buyers to decide what parts and materials will best suit their needs. 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Lumenhaus Home

The Lumenhaus was an entry in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 Decathlon, the modern, zero-energy home is inspired by the glass pavilion-style Farnsworth House.

The “power of light” house boasts radiant heat, building materials comprised of renewable or recyclable materials, radiant floor heating in concrete floors and bifacial rooftop solar panels.

The sloped rooftop allows for rainwater collection and features an Eclipsis System and a house management system that can be controlled at home or remotely. Its modular design allows homeowners the option of adding more units to the home, creating up to four bedrooms.

SD Europe 2010 Teams:

1.  Arts et Métiers Paris Tech
    
2. Fachhochschule fur Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin
    
3. Bergische Universität Wuppertal
    
4. Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera
    
5. Ecole National Superieure d'Architecture de Grenoble
    
6. Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences
    
7. Aalto University, Finland
    
8. Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
    
9. Technological Institute of Superior Studies of Monterrey
    
10. Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences
     
11. Tianjin University
     
12. Brazil Consórcio
     
13. Universidad de Sevilla
     
14. University of Valladolid
     
15. University of Nottingham
     
16. University of Florida
     
17. Technical University of Catalonia
     
18. Tongji University
     

19. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Children and teens can participate in the many fun and educational exhibits, contests, games and movies. Forums, debates, a solar cooking display, activities and workshops will also be available for adults and college students. The free event will be held in Madrid from June 18 – 27, 2010.

Sunflower Home image courtesy of Tianjin University

Learn more about Solar Power on eBoom’s Solar Energy Learning Page.