Solar Decathlon 2009 @ National Mall

Every 2 years college and university teams from not only the US, but around the world design, build and operate energy efficient (and solar powered) houses. Those houses are currently displayed, competing and open for tour on the National Mall. Claudia and I attended two years ago, and we have headed out there a couple of times this year to check it out.


Hit the jump to see some photos and info.


There doesn’t seem to be enough time to see the houses, as the lines seem longer than the previous years. Claudia volunteered for the event, so she has become very familiar with the decathlon.

This year’s competition includes 20 teams; some are a collaboration of a couple of universities from the same region. The international ones are from Alberta, Spain, Germany, Ontario and Puerto Rico.

If you are in the area it’s a nice event to go check out, if you are from out of town maybe plan a trip during it to learn a little about what your house could be. Claudia met a couple that plans a trip to DC mainly to see the decathlon every 2 years, so it’s not crazy. Mark your calendars for 2011 around this time….

http://www.solardecathlon.org/