LAS VEGAS - January 26, 2012 - UNLV is one of 20 university teams chosen to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013, a highly competitive contest that attracts colleges from around the world. Teams will design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are energy-efficient, affordable and attractive.
The competition will take place in fall 2013 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif.
"I am very pleased UNLV has been selected to compete in the 2013 Solar Decathlon. This competition pushes the boundaries of clean energy, engineering, and design ingenuity and creativity," said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "Just today, President Obama visited Las Vegas to discuss his bold plans to develop America's clean energy resources and Nevada is poised to be at the forefront of that important national endeavor. I look forward to seeing UNLV's Solar Decathlon team help lead the country on the path to a clean energy future."
UNLV's team includes students and professors from multiple disciplines, including architecture, engineering, business and communications. Over the next year and a half, the team will design, build and test their home before reassembling it at the competition site.
"We will create a house with the future in mind," said Eric Weber, assistant professor of architecture and director of the school's David G. Howryla Design-Build Studio. "This is a worthy goal and a challenge that will give our students a unique experience of working on a zero-energy home that could have real applications in the marketplace.
The goal is an energy-neutral, or "autonomous" home that will thrive in the harsh Mojave Desert climate and operate independent of all public utility services. The UNLV home will combine new and emerging renewable energy systems, technologies, products and appliances that promote sustainability.
The 730 square-foot home will capture energy instead of reflecting sunlight, filter rainwater and sequester carbon in its vegetation and soils. Initial conceptions of the home also give careful consideration to wheel chair accessibility so residents can remain in the home as they age.
A panel of engineers, scientists and experts from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory evaluated applications for the 2011 competition. Teams were required to show an ability to design and build an innovative solar-powered house, raise project funding, integrate the project into curriculum and assemble a team necessary to carry the project through to completion.
"This is an excellent opportunity for UNLV students and faculty to work in an interdisciplinary team and compete with some of the top schools in the nation and world," said Tom Piechota, UNLV associate vice president for interdisciplinary research.
The winner of the competition will be the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
