Energy Department picks SCU for solar home

SAN FRANCISCO, July 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Energy Department has picked a Santa Clara University-Pacific Gas & Electric team for an international competition to build a solar-powered home.

SCU was chosen by the Energy Department to participate in the 2007 Solar Decathlon, a competition where colleges and universities from around the world design, build and operate energy-efficient solar-powered homes. SCU is one of only 20 institutions to participate in this challenge.

To help with construction costs and help SCU acquire the latest energy-efficient materials and technology, PG&E has made a $25,000 contribution to SCU's solar home construction team. It's tasked now to design, construct and display a fully functional, 650-square-foot solar-powered home.

A team of more than 80 student solar decathletes from SCU's School of Engineering began construction on the solar home June 3. When complete the SCU solar house will generate enough electricity to run a modern household that is functional, elegant, intelligent and innovative.

"PG&E is committed to supporting alternative energy and sustainable living," Bob Howard, vice president of gas transmission and distribution for PG&E Co., said in a company statement. "Santa Clara University's creative Solar Decathlon team is utilizing new materials and technology to construct an innovative solar home that will serve as a model of energy efficiency."

The competition culminates in October when teams will assemble their solar homes and create a solar village that is open to the public on the National Mall in Washington.