While thousands of students have been away on spring break, a handful of them stayed behind to begin construction on their solar-powered house for the U.S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon.

The Solar Decathlon is a biennial, international competition that focuses on a crucial global problem-the ever-increasing need for energy. The contest, which takes place in Washington, D.C., October 8-16, gives students the opportunity to offer real solutions, including renewable energy sources and ways to use energy more efficiently.

Santa Clara University is competing in the Solar Decathlon for a second time. The collaboration with California College of Arts in San Francisco has created Team California. The partnership combines SCU's strength in engineering and CCA's expertise in architecture.

On Friday, April 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of Bannan Engineering Laboratories at Santa Clara University, Team California will present their plans to the public. Students will share the blueprints and show the green building materials and the state-of-the-art solar technology that together minimize the environmental impact but maximize comfort and livability.

Students will also provide models, full scale mock-ups, and give tours of the construction site and of the 2007 house that won third place. Students will also explain how they came up with the unique shape of the house and how they're planning to bring the outdoors in.

Media Preview
Friday, April 3, 2-3 p.m.

Santa Clara University

Tours, demos, and interviews with students and faculty will be available for reporters/photographers on deadline.

Speakers
+ Chuck Reed, San Jose's mayor

+ Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials

+ Michael Engh, S.J., president of Santa Clara University

+ Godfrey Mungal, dean of SCU's School of Engineering

+ Allison Kopf, SCU student project manager

+ Kyle Belcher, CCA student project manager

Solar Decathlon
The U.S. Department of Energy selects 20 university and college teams from around the world to compete in the Solar Decathlon.

There are ten areas of the competition: architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort, appliances, hot water, lighting, energy balance, and transportation.

The house must not only produce enough electricity and hot water to perform all the functions of a home, but it must also power an electric car.

Statements
"Our design is based on the 'California lifestyle' of indoor/outdoor living and spaces that function as much to frame the outdoors as to shelter the interiors," said Raphael Stargrove, CCA architecture student.

"We're trying to show that you don't have to sacrifice the beauty of your home to have an energy efficient house," said Allison Kopf, SCU sophomore and student project manager.

"Silicon Valley is on its way to becoming the world center of clean-tech innovation, and solar is at the core of this effort," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed.

"Young innovators like the Solar Decathlon team from Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts showcase the talent and creativity that this region fosters. The 2007 team showed the world how solar homes can be practical, livable, and attractive. I'm looking forward to another successful effort in 2009."

"As Silicon Valley's clean-tech ambassadors, these students will show Washington, D.C., and the world that our region has the leadership, technology, and talent to drive the global, clean energy economy," said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials.

"By creatively incorporating solar and energy efficient design into buildings, the students are demonstrating how we can improve the environment and the way people live."

Related Links
2009 Solar Decathlon
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com

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