Beginning on September 19, the Solar Decathlon’s unique village of homes powered only by solar energy will be erected by fourteen student teams on the National Mall. From September 26 through October 6, these teams will compete to design, build, and operate the most effective and efficient solar-powered house. They must blend aesthetics and modern conveniences with maximum energy production and efficiency.

The solar decathletes must supply all the energy for an entire household, including a home-based business, along with the transportation needs of the household and business. During the event, only the solar energy available within the perimeter of each house may be used to generate the power needed to compete in the ten Solar Decathlon contests. Similar to its athletic namesake, the Solar Decathlon consists of ten contests ranging from design and livability to energy balance to interior comfort.

11:00 a.m. Secretary Abraham will commence VIP tours of the village.

Participants include: Secretary Spencer Abraham, Assistant Secretary David Garman, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Director Vice Admiral Richard Truly, representatives from BP Solar and Home Depot, and Decathlon student teams.

Visit the Solar Village

The Solar Decathlon Village will be open daily September 26 – October 6, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visitors can tour village exhibits and learn about energy efficiency and solar energy from the Solar Decathlon teams. As part of the competition, teams will provide guided tours of their houses to the visiting public on the following days: September 28 – 29 and October 5 – 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibits with information on each team’s home, the contest and renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies will be adjacent to the Solar Decathlon village on the National Mall between 4th Street and 7th Street, N.W.

Closing/Awards Ceremony – 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Saturday, October 5

Participants include: Secretary Spencer Abraham, Assistant Secretary David Garman, BP Solar and Home Depot representatives, and Decathlon student teams.

Auburn University
Carnegie Mellon University
Crowder College
Texas A&M University
Tuskegee University
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Maryland
University of Missouri—Rolla
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Puerto Rico
University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University