Civic Innovator: U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
An Interview with Richard King, Director, Solar Decathlon
On May 11, the National Building Museum will honor three organizations for their civic innovations: design firm Perkins+Will, the founders of New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village, and the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon during the 2010 Honor Award.
These honorees share a commitment to innovation, community and cultural development, and education. National Building Museum Online spoke with Richard King, director of the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon about the evolution and future of the competition.
National Building Museum (NBM) Online: How did the idea for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon come about?
King: During the 1990s the Department of Energy was successfully conducting research and development (R&D) on solar technologies and energy-efficient houses. Solar technologies were becoming more cost-effective and reliable, and buildings were becoming more energy efficient. However, substantial market barriers still existed. High installation cost, the poor visual appeal of rooftop solar devices, the lack of education, were obstacles to adoption. Architects, builders, and consumers did not understand the new technologies. In 1999 the Department developed a contest to challenge our nation’s schools of architecture and engineering to design, from the ground up, energy-efficient houses powered by solar energy that would be visually-appealing and reliable. The objective was to not only develop better, more pleasing designs, but to also help educate builders and consumers through working demonstrations.
NBM Online: Were you surprised by the popularity of the Solar Decathlon exhibition on the National Mall?
King: As the first Solar Decathlon approached in September 2002, we were anticipating thousands of people on the National Mall, and if we were lucky maybe 30 or 40,000. But if you build it, they will come, and indeed they did! On the first day alone more than 10,000 people showed up, and by the time the event was over we estimated almost 100,000 people came down to the National Mall to tour the houses.
NBM Online: Have the criteria for judging the houses been adjusted over the years?
King: Yes, we’ve adjusted the contests and the judging criteria to keep the Solar Decathlon competition current and relevant. For instance, in 2009 we transitioned from using battery storage banks at each house to placing all the competition houses on a village-sized power grid that we connected to the Pepco utility grid. This reflected a more realistic scenario of how most American homes are connected to the grid—and provided us a great opportunity to educate the public about how houses that generate their own energy using renewable sources like the sun can still be connected to the grid and receive or give power back when necessary. For 2011, we have a new contest called "Affordability" to force the university teams to emphasize cost-effectiveness. In the Affordability contest the houses must cost $250,000 or less to receive full points.
NBM Online: How has this competition benefited students and consumer education?
King: We estimate that some 12,000 student decathletes have worked on Solar Decathlon projects since 2002. Their experience can be described as challenging, exhilarating, inspiring—and life-changing. The Solar Decathlon represents an unparalleled learning experience that tends to impact the participants in powerful ways. Many have changed the focus of their education toward fields in renewable energy; others have started businesses dedicated to solar technology. The Solar Decathlon has proven to be a unique training ground that prepares students to enter our nation’s clean-energy workforce. The Solar Decathlon also demonstrates to the public the potential of affordable homes that combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems available today. Since the first event in 2002, consumers have grown increasingly savvy about clean energy systems. They’ve moved from “what is that?” to “I’ve heard of that!” to “how can I do that in my own house?” It’s been an amazing transition.
NBM Online: What changes do you anticipate in future Solar Decathlons?
King: It’s difficult to predict. For 2011, our focus has shifted toward education and affordability. That is, reaching out to a broader student audience with information about renewable energy and energy efficiency—and placing a stronger incentive on participating teams to design and build houses that are less expensive and use products that are available today. In this way, we’re raising public awareness about affordable clean-energy products that can help people save money and reduce energy use.
NBM Online: What does receiving the 2010 Honor Award mean to the Department of Energy and the Solar Decathlon program?
King: This award represents a powerful confirmation that the work of so many players—the decathletes, faculty, sponsors, and organizers—has been of value far beyond the scope of each individual event. We’re being recognized for our commitment to educating the next generation of engineers, architects, and builders about clean energy, energy efficiency, and environmentally-responsible ways to build. It’s hugely rewarding—and I’m certain that every person ever touched by the Solar Decathlon will feel honored by this award.
Learn more about the 2010 Honor Award: A Salute to Civic Innovators
Learn more about the Solar Decathlon
