The U.S. Department of Energy is preparing to feature some top examples in alternative energy in its coming Solar Decathlon, to be held on the National Mall, October 8 – 18. DOE information is as follows:

Solar Decathlon entry from Team Spain

High-Tech Homes That Save Money Without

Sacrificing Comfort To Highlight DOE Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 combines the latest in home
design and energy performance with the innovative spirit of university students
from around the world. The 20 university-led teams from the United States,
Germany, Canada, and Spain put their high-tech homes to the test—seeing how the
high-efficiency, solar-powered homes they built meet the energy needs of a typical
family. This year, the competition is enhanced by net metering—meaning the
houses are tied to the grid and will actually generate power for the local utility.
Just a few reasons to watch the solar village on the National Mall in Washington,
D.C., Oct. 8–18, 2009, are to:
•     Experience the future of green buildings today
•     Witness the powerful training platform for approximately 2,000 student
decathletes—the engineers, architects, and designers of tomorrow
•     Discover the latest innovative-housing solutions to reduce our carbon
footprint
•     Meet the students and professors who have designed, built, and tested these
prototype zero-energy, zero-carbon homes “from scratch”
•     Expand your knowledge of off-the-shelf modular components (such as
structural insulated panels, remote and Internet energy monitoring devices,
weather instrumentation, radiant flooring, and rain catchment systems) that
save energy and save money
•     Tour energy-efficient, highly attractive sustainable homes intentionally
designed to entice and appeal
•     Draw from the bright ideas of the students, who are dedicated ambassadors
inspired to reduce our dependency on foreign oil, beyond the competition.
The Solar Decathlon competition houses are open to the public Oct. 8–18,
2009, except for Oct. 14, when they are closed for competition purposes. For
more information, visit www.solardecathlon.org.