Did you know that every year, there’s a “green race” going on between 20 university teams from around the world? These teams are challenged to build and operate livable, efficient, and completely solar-powered houses. As BP is sponsoring the whole thing, the event proudly bears the name of BP Solar Decathlon.
Every October, all the teams transport their solar houses to the National Mall in Washington D.C., with the purpose to form a solar village. The teams compete in 10 contests to determine an overall winner. Using only sun energy, the teams must generate enough electricity for their houses, to run a modern household. The participants have to choose the most efficient home appliances, in order to have their house running at normal parameters.
If you want to join the spectator fun for this year, you can see the latest scores for the 2007 Solar Decathlon and leave your comments there.
The winner of this year is the University of Maryland, with the LEAFhouse, celebrating nature’s abundance while having a light touch.
For most practical people, one of the goals of the Solar Decathlon is to show the world that we can all use solar power in our homes. BP is working to ensure that solar power becomes an affordable source of energy for homeowners. In this respect, you can choose the most appropriate BP solar system for your home.
It seems that alternative energy can save our planet from an ecological disaster, and companies like BP are determined to help the world become a healthier place.
