2011 Solar Decathlon Preview

ByEditor August 3, 2011March 18, 2012

The Solar Decathlon is a biannual competition where 20 university-led teams from around the globe come together and present their latest innovations in solar technology. The entry that best combines affordability, consumer appeal, design excellence, and optimal energy efficiency will be chosen as the winner. Each of these 20 designs will be constructed and put on display from September 23 through October 2, 2011 at the West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.

While these designs are never tiny, they are always small, so typically good examples of what can be done with less space. But the big take-away for most folks is the concentration of new and old ideas for using solar design to heat, cool, and power our homes. Being able to see so many great designs prototyped in full-scale homes can really help to inspire any future project – no matter how small.

Below are six designs that caught my eye. See all 20 designs at Jetson Green.