Feeling the Heat Article:
Solar Energy Student Competition Heats Up
by Jerry H. Simpson
Since its inception, solar technology has enjoyed popularity and suffered through lapses as people have embraced and beguiled it in turn. In the 1970’s, solar energy was hot (pun intended) as communities were built and heralded as the wave of the future – “solar is here to stay” was a familiar refrain, especially on the ‘left’ coast of California, Oregon and Washington.
Troubles with technology hampered solar, however, and it never really took off as expected. Recently though solar has enjoyed resurgence as new technology and demands for energy efficiency and environmental quality grow in popularity. Now more than ever, the trend towards ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ building practices has made solar once again move to the forefront of technological innovation. More and more builders and architects are looking to the future and trying to be ready for the next wave of building. Education of young people is becoming a critical aspect of gearing up for what is sure to be a popular and needed technology for years to come.
One indication of this has been seen in the increase in education at the university level. Degrees in solar technology are offered at many campuses throughout the country and competitions are staged pitting schools against one another to try and design the best solar projects.
One such competition is the Solar Decathlon House - a competition in which teams of college and university students design, build, operate and sell solar powered houses. The lesson to the students is that energy is a very valuable resource! The houses must be attractive, energy efficient and of course powered entirely by the sun! A wonderful learning opportunity for the students to learn as they go, they communicate with builders, raise money, use high tech materials in innovative ways and learn teamwork and cooperation as they strive to win and build the best solar house possible.
Teams are judged on a myriad of tasks from running a dishwasher or powering computers, to maintaining a comfortable environment within the homes. All the entrants must provide enough power to manage normal everyday tasks that the average person is used to doing on a daily basis. For example: does the home keep your TV on while providing enough hot water for a shower? Also considered in the judging is the homes design and physical comfort or ‘livability’.
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18 teams compete - Solar Decathlon House!
This years competition will be held on the National Mall in our nations capital, Washington DC. Held from October 7-16, the houses will be open to the public for tours and winners will be announced on site.
The 18 teams competing this year take apart their homes; transport them to Washington for re-assembly. A tremendous amount of hard work and dedication by the students is involved, but after all, these are our solar gurus of tomorrow, who will lead the way in paving new roads into the world of solar, energy efficiency and responsible building.
This years competitors come from:
Cal Poly
Canada
Colorado
Cornell
Crowder
Florida International
Madrid
Maryland
Michigan
Missouri Rolla
NYIT
Pittsburgh
Puerto Rico
RISD
Texas
U Mass Dartmouth
Virginia Tech
Washington State
At the first competition held in 2002 the University of Colorado walked away with top honors which makes them a favorite at this years event, although the other schools will have something to say about that to be sure!
Related: Distance Education School - Accreditation is important for people who want to continue studying at the graduate level.
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About the Author : Jerry H. Simpson is a regular contributing writer to Feeling the Heat, a site about Solar Energy and Alternative Energy. While Jerry may not have a college degree, his passion about writing showcases his true talents and many interests. Among his favorite topics are conservation, alternative energy, radiant heating and fossil fuel alternatives. Jerry can be reached by email at Feeling the Heat.
