The Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op, in collaboration with the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, will present a free presentation on the Middlebury College Solar Decathlon Project as part of its Energy Education Program Series, at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, May 18 at the Ilsley Library Community Room (rear entrance). A guided tour of the solar powered home is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 1-3 p.m. at Middlebury College.

The Solar Decathlon is a biennial international green building competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, for which colleges and universities from around the world submit design proposals. Middlebury College has been selected as one of the twenty teams to design and build an entirely solar-powered house. Middlebury is the first liberal arts college chosen to participate in the competition and the only college not partnered with a university. Over 75 students are participating in the project, representing 18 different majors.

Submissions are judged in ten contests: architecture, market appeal, engineering, affordability, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment and energy balance. The Middlebury Team has re-imagined the New England farmhouse, and called its design "Self Reliance." Traditional architectural forms are combined with the most advanced energy efficient technology, resulting in an inspiring, innovative design. Local materials make up most of the structure, including a Vermont slate floor.

Middlebury College student Nate Woods and graduate Abe Bendheim will present the program on May 18. Woods is from Madison, WI and is a member of the class of 2011. He is working with the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sub-teams. Bendheim graduated from Middlebury College in February 2011. He majored in architecture and environmental studies, and minored in economics.

Both presenters are actively involved in the Solar Decathlon project and are eager to share information about the competition, their unique design for the solar-powered home, and what they have learned from the project. For a preview of the Middlebury Solar Decathlon Project, visit here.

Funding for these educational programs has been provided by the Addison County Green Fund. Opportunities for additional sponsors are available. Contact Elizabeth Golden-Pidgeon, Energy Education Program Coordinator, at elizabethgolden@shoreham.net for more information.

The Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op is a member-owned energy cooperative serving residents and businesses in Addison, Rutland, and Chittenden counties. The Co-op provides education, outreach, products and services that help members to make the transition from our present reliance on fossil fuels to greater use of renewables and local solutions. Members pay $35 annually and receive discounts from affiliates and partners on energy products and services, as well as discounts from local community partners. For more information, or to join the Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op, please visit www.acornenergycoop.com or call 802-385-1911