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Solar Decathlon: Growing Across the Globe

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By Linda Silverman
Solar Decathlon Director

The international Solar Decathlon movement is alive and well and prospering. There are a lot of new developments in the five international Solar Decathlons being planned in 2018 and 2019. The next event will be Solar Decathlon China, taking place August 2-17 in Dezhou, China, with 22 teams. Solar Decathlon Europe recently announced the 16 teams that will participate in its 2019 event in Szentendre, Hungary. Interestingly, this event will focus on retrofitting houses. Teams interested in competing in Solar Decathlon Africa in September 2019, in Benguerir, Morrocco, have until March 14 to submit their applications. Solar Decathlon Latin America and the Carribbean recently announced its 15 teams that will compete in its 2019 event. Finally, Solar Decathlon Middle East will host 21 teams competing in its November 2018 event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Solar Decathlon Here, There, and Beyond

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By Megan Close and Daniel Rubin
Video by Garrett Bourcier and Cody Williams

While the U.S. Department of Energy closes the chapter on Solar Decathlon 2017, our fellow global competition organizers are gearing up for multiple international events. Next year, Solar Decathlon China and the first Solar Decathlon Middle East will take place. In 2019, Solar Decathlon Europe, Solar Decathlon Latin American and the Caribbean, and the first Solar Decathlon Africa will host solar villages inspired by the U.S. competition.

Around the World with Solar Decathlon

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Photo of a house at dusk. This house was designed and constructed by students from Missouri University of Science and Technology as part of Solar Decathlon 2015 in California. | Photo by Thomas Kelsey/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition now spans five continents – from the United States to Spain, France, Colombia, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, to China – bringing together collegiate teams from around the world to address some of the most pressing global energy issues of our time.

University of Wollongong Wins SD China!

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I am proud to be an American—and prouder yet to be an employee of the U.S. Department of Energy. We brought an inspiring and beneficial competition to the People’s Republic of China! By the end of the event, a quarter-million people will visit the competition houses displayed at Solar Decathlon China. The event has made a real impression on the government and people of Datong. I hope it leads to positive change.

South China University Takes the Lead at Solar Decathlon China

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The results of three contests were announced at Solar Decathlon China this morning. Teams gathered in the auditorium of the Sun Palace, and jury members announced the first, second, and third place for Engineering, Communications, and Market Appeal. The results are:

Solar Decathlon China Update

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I knew when the City of Datong offered to build a new site for its Solar Decathlon that it was going to be spectacular, and everything so far has exceeded my expectations. The site is beautiful and spacious. It has ample facilities for the team houses, two office buildings, central gardens, and thousands of guests. There are two large towers for viewing the village, and all the decathletes stay in the Sun Palace, which is adjacent to the site.

Solar Decathlon China Kicks Off

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Yesterday’s Solar Decathlon China opening ceremony was grand!

A huge stage, complete with three video screens, was set up on the steps of the Sun Palace. The mayor of Datong opened Friday’s opening ceremony by speaking about the future—a cleaner, brighter future, thanks to the efforts of students and faculty participating in Solar Decathlon China. Other dignitaries, including Assistant Secretary David Danielson of the U.S. Department of Energy, also spoke. Dr. Danielson said how pleased he was to be in Datong witnessing the first Solar Decathlon in China. He congratulated everyone for making the competition possible.

Solar Decathlon Goes International

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The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon’s influence is expanding around the world. This competition, we have international teams from Belgium, Canada, China, and New Zealand that bring different perspectives and add to the debate about how to design sustainable homes. We love their fresh approaches and cultural influences. Even the cricket games in New Zealand’s side yard, which just happens to be a softball diamond, adds a twist to the neighborhood.

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