Ten Contests
The Solar Decathlon competition challenges each of the 20 team's to push the limits on design and engineering in an event much like the Olympic decathlon. Each of the ten contests are centralized around focusing on developing alternatives ways to go about using energy in our daily lives. Each of the homes are required and judged on the following elements:
- The general attractiveness and ease to live in the home
- The ability to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor living conditions
- An emphasis on flexible and appealing lighting design
- The ability to supply adequate energy to household appliances and to provide hot water
- A focus on balancing energy production and consumption
There are 10 competitions that are scored both on a objective basis (ex. the ability to keep within constant humidity and temperature range) as well as an subjective basis (ex. aesthetic and design inspiration). The competition brings together some of the leading jurors from around the world to make part in selecting the 2009 Solar Decathlon champion.