A team comprised of students from three Ontario institutions is one of only 20 collegiate teams to earn a place in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2013 Solar Decathlon Competition. Team Ontario is a partnership of Carleton University, Algonquin College and Queen’s University and will bring together students from a variety of disciplines, including engineering, architecture, advanced housing construction and business.
The competition challenges teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. All teams now begin an 18-month process to refine and build their home designs prior to disassembling them for shipping to the competition site in Irvine, California.
“Team Ontario is ecstatic to have been awarded a place in the 2013 Solar Decathlon in Irvine, California,” said Christopher Baldwin, Carleton’s project manager and student lead. “This competition provides a unique avenue for passionate graduate and undergraduate students to show case their work on an international stage. We hope to achieve our vision of a future where sustainable homes are a reality in the Canadian market.”
The team will be composed of a volunteer base of about 50 students. Together, their diverse skills and student experiences will ensure the design, funding and technological requirements of Team Ontario’s Solar Decathlon house are met.
“We are thrilled to have been selected to compete ,” says Cynthia Cruickshank, Carleton faculty lead and assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. “This event provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote sustainable buildings and renewable energy while showcasing the work of our students on the world stage. Our team’s net-positive energy home will capitalize on research and innovation while inspiring and educating the public to demand more from the next generation of homes.”
The houses will be judged on architecture, market appeal, engineering, affordability, comfort, hot water, appliances, home entertainment and energy balance. Last year’s competition homes were visited more than 350,000 times in 10 days.
More information on the 2013 Solar Decathlon can be found at http://www.solardecathlon.gov/.
