Message Regarding the Location of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Over the years, the National Mall—the nation’s front yard—has played host to many large, public events, which have impacted the long-term health of the National Mall. In support of the historic effort underway to protect, improve, and restore the National Mall, the Department of Energy, in conjunction with the National Park Service, has decided to seek a new site for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011.
The National Mall, a great American treasure, has served as a unique launching pad for the Solar Decathlon, hosting the first four events from 2002 to 2009.
During each Solar Decathlon, student teams from around the world design and build highly efficient, solar-powered homes to be thoroughly tested, expertly judged, and publically displayed during an intense few weeks in the fall of the competition year. Each of the decathlons held over the years has grown, attracting more and more public interest. People come from all over to be inspired by the students’ creativity and to learn about clean energy solutions for their own homes.
The Department of Energy is presently researching alternative venues to hold the event this fall, and will announce the selected location in the near future.
We are thankful for the support of the teams, universities, sponsors, and enthusiasts who have made this such a wonderful event in the past, and who are presently working with us to make it even better this year. We recognize the challenges this change may present teams and sponsors and we appreciate their understanding as we select a new location. We are confident the site chosen will support a very successful Solar Decathlon and we look forward to seeing each team’s entry come to life this fall.
About the Solar Decathlon:
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.