October 9, 2007

BP Solar Decathlon

One of the things I was hoping to do during the next phase of my home remodel was to install solar water heating panels on my roof. My electric company had a booth at the beach-front festival I recently attended and I discussed my plans with one of their representatives. I was disappointed to discover that the currently available solar water heater systems are not cost-effective for a single-occupant home like mine. If I were to install one now I’d end up with higher energy costs than the amount I’m already paying. I’m hopeful, though, that the next generation of technology will make solar water heating and other solar resources feasible for me. The research and development needed to help make that a reality will get a big boost in a few days when teams from universities around the world gather on the National Mall in Washington to compete in the Solar Decathlon.

Twenty teams of students have been working hard to make this event happen. Each team will design, build and operate an energy-efficient, completely solar-powered house. If you live near Washington or can make the trip I hope you’ll go and show your support for the students in this important endeavor. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see homes of the future being built right before your eyes. Most of us can’t go, of course, but we can still follow the progress through the BP Solar Decathlon team blogs and website. BP is giving back to each of us and to the environment by joining the Department of Energy in sponsoring the Solar Decathlon. They’ve sponsored the event since it’s inception in 2002 and are committed to supporting these young scientists and to the promotion and use of alternative energy sources. They’ve also created the website where you can meet the Solar Decathlon teams, track their progress and learn how you can reduce your own impact on the environment. I’ve just spent almost two hours on the website and I still haven’t visited all of the pages I want to read. While I can’t install a solar water heater right now, I can do other things to improve my placement on the green curve, and the BP website is full of ideas that will help us all do that. For those of you planning to attend the Solar Decathlon, you’ll find event details, maps and schedules to help you get started. I salute BP for supporting this event and the bright minds that are working to make a better world for us and for future generations.