Two years of hard work paid off this past weekend for the Middlebury College students who placed 4th overall in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon 2011. Solar Decathlon is a biennial competition that challenges twenty collegiate teams from around the world to design and build net zero energy houses that are attractive, affordable and entirely solar-powered. Team Middlebury College's entry, Self-Reliance, received 1st place in three of the ten decathlon contests: communications, home entertainment and market appeal. As the first undergraduate liberal arts team ever to make it into the finals on their own, Team Middlebury College is extremely proud to have performed as a top contender amongst teams from technical architecture and engineering institutions.  

Interior of Middlebury College's Solar House which placed fourth in DOE competition

Right before the final results announcement in West Potomac Park on Saturday Oct. 1st, the team's Communications Coordinator Katie Romanov '11 commented, "If we could finish in the top five, and be the little engine that could, we'd be thrilled!" In addition, Project Manager, and team founder, Addison Godine '11 received the Best Decathlete Award from the DOE for his active participation in the measured contests, in depth understanding of day-to-day team standings, and overall embodiment of the innovative spirit of the competition. "It was the icing on the cake," Godine smiled. 

 Inspired by the traditional New England farmhouse, and marketed for a young New England family of four, their 996-square-foot home features a greenhouse-wall for family members to grow their own produce from seed to plate. For the market appeal contest, jurors noted that Self-Reliance's "Durable finishes and lifecycle approach to material selection will also appeal to the market. The operational costs would be low in a region with traditionally high energy requirements." Exceeding requirements, Team Middlebury College prioritized the use of local natural materials -- such as cellulose insulation made from 83% recycled newsprint -- that are healthy for the home's inhabitants and the surrounding environment. 

After a six day disassembly, Self-Reliance will return to the Middlebury College campus to be used for special interest housing, where students will apply to live on a per semester basis. The home will serve as an environmental outreach center for dinners, speakers and educational events open to both the campus and the local community. Boreholes have already been drilled for a geothermal system and the permanent foundation is currently under construction. For more information about the Middlebury College Solar Decathlon Team, visit theirwebsite at http://solardecathlon.middlebury.edu. Hats off to the teams who placed in the top three overall -- University of Maryland in first, Purdue University in second and Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand in third. For more information, visit the competition site at www.solardecathlon.gov/scores.html. 

 Best Regards,