The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the list of 20 teams that will compete at the 2015 Solar Decathlon to be held at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. The 20 student teams selected include eight returning teams and 12 new teams (teams in last year’s competition are highlighted):
Of all the teams on that list, it is most gratifying to see West Virginia University included as they were forced out of the competition last year at the very last minute due to financial constraints. It is good to know that their hard work will finally get its moment in the sun.
Interestingly, neither Caltech nor Team USC is on the list. We understand that USC decided to pass on the 2015 competition to plan for the 2017 event. Given the enormous amount of work that it takes to field a successful entry, that approach makes a great deal of sense. Also missing from the event are any of the top three finishing teams: Team Austria, UNLV and the Czech Republic. Hopefully we will see their energy and innovation in a future contest.
Last year was the first year the competition was held outside of Washington, D.C. and, not coincidentally we suspect, it was the first year that every team’s house produced more energy than it consumed. We are eager to see what new records these teams will be able to set next year. Best of luck to all.