The Solar Decathlon
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
The Solar Decathlon provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter the clean energy workforce. SURE HOUSE supports the educational enrichment of students in the areas of sustainability, innovation and green technology
The Solar Decathlon 2015 will take place at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, where the homes are judged and scored on the following categories:
With thousands of on-site visitors, millions of media viewers, over two billion media impressions, and 200+ members of the media in attendance, the Solar Decathlon offers an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate innovative building practices and energy-efficient living to the broadest consumer audience.
Aside from the sheer glory of first place, the winning team’s design will also get more media coverage and be seen by more people than any other entry, giving our ideas a vastly broader audience and an immeasurably greater impact - during the decathlon and beyond. We know we can do this, but we need your help to get there.
Measured Categories + Schedule
Appliances
(100 PTS)
Commuting
(100 PTS)
Comfort Zone
(100 PTS)
Home Life
(100 PTS)
Energy Balance
(100 PTS)
A Record of Success
2011: Empowerhouse
Partnering with The New School, Stevens created Empowerhouse, a low-cost home which uses 90% less energy than a typical building. This Habitat for Humanity home has been occupied since 2012, successfully delivering superior comfort and low energy costs.
2013: Ecohabit
One of the top contenders in the competition, our 2013 entry, Ecohabit, placed 4th overall and 2nd in the Architecture competition. Today being employed as a veteran’s center on the campus of Cal State San Marcos, the building continues to inspire its occupants through both its architecture and innovative technology.
2015: Surehouse
Stevens Institute’s third consecutive entry into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon aims to redefine the future of coastal housing. And this time we’re going for broke.
Less Energy Use + More Storm Protection
The challenge for the SURE House team is, “Can we design a home for coastal New Jersey that dramatically reduces its energy use while protecting itself from the realities of a changing, more extreme climate?”
