Sept. 10, 2009

Solar Decathlon house

Nearly road ready

The Interlock House, Iowa State's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon, enjoyed its last week in the (central Iowa) sun this week. Team members will start to dismantle the house next week to transport it to Washington, D.C., where the Solar Decathlon opens Oct. 8 on the Mall. The task was to design, build and operate an attractive, effective and energy-efficient solar-powered home. Twenty university teams were invited to participate in the competition, in which they'll be judged in 10 areas, from hot water to communications, from home entertainment to market viability. About 75 students and 25 faculty and staff have played a part in the Interlock House project. Photos by Bob Elbert.

Solar Decathlon house