Team Germany has just been declared the champion of this year's Solar Decathlon, which challenges 20 teams to create the most attractive and energy-efficient solar powered home. The winning surPLUShome features a sleek, dark facade that is almost completely covered in photovoltaic panels and can provide more than twice the amount of energy it needs to operate. An impressive final score of 908 points out of 1,000 secured the country's reputation for engineering and technical prowess, lighting the way for a solar powered future.
Team Germany has just been declared the champion of this year's Solar Decathlon, which challenges 20 teams to create the most attractive and energy-efficient solar powered home. The winning surPLUShome features a sleek, dark facade that is almost completely covered in photovoltaic panels and can provide more than twice the amount of energy it needs to operate. An impressive final score of 908 points out of 1,000 secured the country's reputation for engineering and technical prowess, lighting the way for a solar powered future. Bustler | Inhabitat
5 Comments
Did anyone consider the cost to build this 'winner'? Germany is pricing out all the other competitors. I believe this solar decathalon is losing one of its original mission objectives - to promote affordable, and reasonably obtainable sustainable dwellings.
I'd be curious to see a cost comparision of all the entries this year, and also for last year.
American energy costs are just a fraction of what they are in Germany, so in the long run, this investment comes you cheaper. Also, prototyping systems that seem futuristic today, opens the path for their mass production and general affordability.
, recently in the NY Times.
this is just payback for zee germans taking hasselhoff off our top 40 muzik list.
Perhaps if the Solar Decathlon didn't insist on an over abundance of PV as a method of reducing a building's footprint, the winning homes wouldn't be so expensive.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.