Photo of a crowd of people on Decathlete Way, the main walkway between the Solar Decathlon 2009 houses.

U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

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Hot Water Contest

(100 points)

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 Hot Water Contest assessed whether a house's water heating system could supply all the hot water needed for daily washing and bathing. Teams scored points by successfully completing several 15-gallon "hot water draws."

The goal of this task was to deliver 15 gallons (56.8 l) of hot water (110°F/43.3°C) in 10 minutes or less.