The SOLAR DECATHLON is a biannual competition started and organized by the U.S. Department of Energy. Universities from all over the world design and build a self-sufficient home, using solar energy as the only energy source, equipped with technologies that permit maximum energy efficiency. The first U.S. competition in 2002 culminated with assembly and display of the houses on the National Mall in Washington D.C.
The success of the U.S. competition, led to the creation of the SOLAR DECATHLON EUROPE, an international competition for universities from all over the world. The aim is to advance knowledge on industrialized, sustainable homes, with a particular emphasis on high efficiency and energy self sufficiency.
The final phase of the Competition will be held in Madrid, June 21-28, 2010, and will consist of the assembly and exhibition of 20 houses designed and built by participating universities on a site located along the river near the Royal Palace.
The University of Florida is one of only two teams participating from the United States.