THE COMPETITION The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a biennial competition formerly held in Washington, D.C., wi ... th a new location in Irvine, California. In the fall of 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy will host 20 collegiate teams from around the globe, who will compete to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. The main purpose of the competition is to demonstrate to the public that net-zero, solar homes are feasible, affordable and desirable while also developing the next generation of building professionals. Since its origins in 2002, the Solar Decathlon has quickly become one of the most prestigious and publicized events of its kind. TEAM ONTARIO Team Ontario is a collaboration of students and faculty from Queen’s University, Carleton University, and Algonquin College united by a passion to promote renewable energy and sustainable living. With over 100 students from multiple backgrounds and disciplines, we believe that our collective knowledge and experiences will allow us to create a winning design that integrates modern technologies. Together, we are excited to tackle one of the most critical issues facing our generation: how to achieve truly sustainable and affordable living. read more