A segment on Sunday Morning told about a competition in which colleges around the world design, build, and show houses that are run completely from solar power called the Solar Decathlon. I absolutely loved this segment! We have talked a lot about energy sources in this class and it is extremely interesting to see that things are being done to help solve the energy crisis. The houses are so innovative and stylish and simply amazing (I wish I could have one!). Some of the ideas and designs were brilliant. For example, one house had an oven that opened from the bottom so that no heat would be lost at the top and therefore saving energy! Another house (the winning house actually and the house pictured above) had its solar panels in thin strips almost like shutters that would be able to adjust to the angle of the sun so there is always optimum energy being collected! That same house had an object that looked like a mirror but was in fact a television. Watching this segment was like catching a glimpse at the technological advances that will hopefully soon be available to the general public. These houses and the technology that runs them are with any luck the future for energy and for consumers, and it is important that we understand their importance and need. How can anyone argue that solar energy is not a reasonable solution for the energy crisis now?
Listed is the link to the Solar Decathlon page.
www.solardecathlon.org
Comments (2)
I too share the same interest in that kind of technology. I also agree that we are seeing what may become normal in the future. Solar power is definitely a source of energy that cannot be argued with. The cool thing is that it can even be improved. Solar panels are only about 30% efficient in converting the suns energy. I can't wait to see what happens when that number increases.
Posted by Alex | November 14, 2007 10:28 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 10:28
Kristen, I also agree with you that these new energy advances are absolutely amazing. I feel that creating a more energy efficient society has become high on our to-do lists these days, with not only these houses, but the electric car and many other little things also. I am really pleased with the way things are going at the moment and hopefully companies will be able to find a way for these wonderful products to be affordable to all. When this becomes the case hopefully we will have less disappointment in how the environment is being treated and a happy Joni Mitchell!
Posted by Nicole Snyder | November 14, 2007 3:54 PM
Posted on November 14, 2007 15:54