Solar Decathlon 2013

Home Entertainment Contest

(100 points)

The Home Entertainment Contest in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 gauged whether a house has what it takes to be a home. How well does it accommodate the pleasures of living, such as sharing meals with friends and family, watching movies in a home theater, and surfing the Internet? How well does 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.

The final scores for the Home Entertainment Contest are shown in the graphic below. Roll over the graphic with your mouse to see the points awarded for each subcontest.