Alfred State and Alfred University to Compete in U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015

Alfred State and Alfred University have been selected to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California. The Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

“Alfred State and Alfred University worked together during the 2013 China Solar Decathlon, earning a first place award in energy balance as well as an incredible real-world work experience,” said Alfred State Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Craig Clark. “Participating in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon and the unique training our students will receive on this journey will be the perfect complement to our school’s mission of hands-on, project-based learning and our focus on sustainability. With this experience, our students will be even more competitive in the clean energy and construction fields.” In the past, Alfred State students have constructed a net-zero energy demonstration home in Wellsville, NY, and led solar workshops and construction projects at the U.S. National Arboretum.

“I am delighted that we are continuing our collaboration with Alfred State in the U.S. Solar Decathlon. This program provides our students with an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience designing energy efficient systems,” said Doreen Edwards, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University. Alfred University is one of only a few institutions in the U.S. that offers a bachelor’s degree in renewable energy engineering.

The Solar Decathlon enhances public understanding of how to save money at home with clean energy solutions available today and provides students with training and hands-on experience to prepare them for the clean energy workforce. Since 2002 the Solar Decathlon has:

• Involved 132 collegiate teams, which pursue a multidisciplinary approach to study the requirements for designing and building energy-efficient, solar-powered houses
• Established a worldwide reputation as a successful educational program and workforce development opportunity
• Positively impacted nearly 20,000 collegiate participants.

The Solar Decathlon supports the Obama Administration’s goal of building a clean energy economy while saving families and businesses money by saving energy.

“Alfred State is honored to have this opportunity for our students to showcase their knowledge and abilities,” Clark said. “And we know our entry will be unique, with students designing, building and operating our home from beginning to end within our hands-on laboratories.”