Ohio State’s Solar Decathlon team finished fifth in the U.S. Department of Energy’s competition that challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. More than 70 students from 13 different majors were involved in designing and constructing Ohio State’s entry in the 2011 Solar Decathlon, which began Sept. 23 in Washington, D.C., in the National Mall's West Potomac Park. Ohio State is one of only 19 teams that competed in this international, biennial competition; those teams were invited by the U.S. Department of Energy to participate. Thousands of visitors toured the homes during the event and learned about the opportunities presented by cost-effective houses that combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems available today. Full story...
