Sinless Solar City

Want to see what the House of the Future will look like? You're in luck! Our very own UT Austin is home to one of 18 teams that are competing in the Solar Decathlon; a competition sponsored by the US Department of Energy's "Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy." The goal of this competition is to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

Our local contingent is the UT SolarD Team, a multi-disciplinary group spanning several schools at The University of Texas at Austin. Their mission:

The UT SolarD Team will empower the public to change from energy-consumers into energy-producers through the creation of a solar-powered house that is affordable and healthy for both homeowners and the environment. Further, we will demonstrate that a beautifully designed house, made of resource efficient materials and systems, is equally essential and desirable.

The Austinist was recently in touch with one Kenny Grossman, a member of the team. When asked what our readership should know that they can't get from the web site or press kit, he responded:

We're going to be raising the house in about 2 weeks. People can come visit us at the site. We still have areas where people can help out personally, or donate some money. (This is entirely student fundraised.)

If you feel like stopping by, you can find the house at 2006 Leona St, a UT site in East Austin.

Don't forget to bring your hardhat and checkbook.