2011 Solar Decathlon becomes practical

摘要

WASHINGTON - Far out ideas were few at the 2011 Solar Decathlon here as the 19 collegiate teams strove for practical houses that cost in the neighborhood of $250,000. There were a lot of mini-split heat pumps, seemingly split between Mitsubishi and Daikin. Energy recovery ventilators were common. For two weeks, teams of college and university students from across the U.S., plus China and New Zealand, competed to design, build, and operate the most affordable, attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, the competition highlights affordable homes that combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems that are available today.