DOE’s Solar Decathlon Brings #SunnyIdeas to Planet Forward

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By Susanna Murley, Planet Forward

This week, we begin Planet Forward’s coverage of the Solar Decathlon! 20 collegiate teams from around the world are designing and building sustainable solar homes. 11 of the teams have submitted their innovations to Planet Forward. In this week’s WEBISODE, we take a look at the unique use of water in The University of Maryland‘s home.

image via Planet Forward

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT, HOW ‘BOUT YOU? Want to participate in Planet Forward’s coverage of the Solar Decathlon? LIKE your favorite team, VOTE for your favorite idea and TWEET #SunnyIdeas

MORE ON #SUNNYIDEAS: Planet Forward’s Innovator Danny Kennedy is the founder of solar company Sungevity. In our Innovator Update, we see how he is doing on his goal of eastward expansion.

FROM OUR BLOG: Have a twitter account? We’re taking your ideas about the Solar Decathlon teams through twitter. Planet Forward’s Susanna Murley, tells you what PF is looking for.

FROM NREL: Ever heard of a sky trough? Planet Forward visits the National Renewable Energy Labs to find out.

FROM NBR: Last month, Planet Forward was on PBS Nightly Business Report introducing the Solar Decathlon. How do you think the liberal arts students at Middlebury will do against the engineering schools?

NEXT WEEK: More from the Solar Decathlon. Want to influence which team we feature next? LIKE your favorite team, VOTE for your favorite idea and TWEET #SunnyIdeas. Got it?

Editor’s Note: This video segment comes to us courtesy of Planet Forward, our latest video content partner. Author credit goes to Susanna Murley.

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Posted on September 14th, 2011 · Comment ↓

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Posted in Renewable Energy, Solar Power

  • Brian

    This is perhaps one of the best projects an undergraduate engineering student can participate in, and itu2019s a shame itu2019s not publicized more.u00a0 As an electrical engineering major out of Maryland in 2006, this type of project was barely advertised back then to students as well.u00a0u00a0 Going forward, it seems imperative that our country needs to open up these opportunities to a broader audience.u00a0 15 of the 20 teams last year were US-based, which is decent but not great u2013 ultimately, this leaves only 250 US engineers getting inspired during this bi-annual competition. u00a0If we can expand this competition across more schools, or make it US-based, or even open up new u201cgreenu201d competitions within the country, the better payout our nation receives in the end.u00a0 Sure it takes money to fund the teams and advertise the competitions, but I really think you can move an uninspired high school/college student with real-world, impactful project opportunities.