UT Austin Solar Decathlon

Collaborated with students and faculty to design and build an entry entirely off-grid for energy and water

The Center teamed with the University of Texas School of Architecture to participate in the first U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored Solar Decathlon in 2002. The event features 10 contests that measure energy balance, hot water, comfort zone, refrigeration, lighting, home business, getting around (transportation), design & livability, presentation & simulation, and graphics & communication, of each of the 14 teams’ entries. Designed by the student-faculty team to function entirely off-grid for energy and water, the competition spans 10-days following a 6-day period to construct the buildings on the Washington, DC mall.

The entry is now located on The Center’s grounds in Austin, and is open to the public as part of our monthly First Friday Open House, and by request.