U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon | Powered by the Sun

Solar Decathlon 2011

Home Entertainment Contest

(100 points)

The Home Entertainment Contest in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 gauged whether a house had what it takes to be a home. How well did it accommodate the pleasures of living, such as sharing meals with friends and family, watching movies in a home theater, and surfing the Web? How well did it accommodate a small home office for a telecommuter?

The contest included:

  • Holding two dinner parties for neighbors, who awarded the host team points based on the quality of the meal, ambiance, and overall experience

  • Keeping all interior and exterior house lights on during specified periods of time

  • Operating a television and computer during specified time periods

  • Hosting a movie night for neighbors, who rated their hosts based on the quality and design of the home theater system as well as ambiance and overall experience

  • Simulating cooking by using a kitchen appliance to vaporize 5 pounds (80 oz or 2.268 kg) of water within a specified period of time.