WAC Lighting announced this week that it is sponsoring the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate energy-efficient and attractive solar-powered houses.
The Solar Decathlon will take place in October in Denver, CO, adjacent to the 61st and Peña station on the University of Colorado A line commuter train. Free public tours of the houses are available from Thursday, Oct. 5 through Monday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 15.
“The Solar Decathlon offers an extraordinary opportunity for educating the next generation of architects, engineers, builders and homeowners about the role that solid state lighting plays in modern sustainable home building, energy design and green construction,” said WAC Lighting President Shelley Wald. “As a Responsible Lighting Company, we are extremely proud to support this competition which showcases forward-thinking students in their use of advanced technologies to create sustainable, energy-efficient living strategies.”
Fourteen collegiate teams will create high-performance houses that reflect current market conditions, innovative building and the best in sustainable living. The winning team will have blended affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
For the first time, participants are eligible for cash prizes. Each team that successfully builds a solar house at the site and completes the competition will receive $100,000. The third-place finisher will receive $150,000, the second-place team $225,000, and the first-place team will receive $300,000.
The event will also feature a trade show called the Sustainability Expo, which will showcase forward-thinking companies and nonprofit organizations that share strategies, products and technologies.
