The Solar Decathlon is an educational project of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Appliances

(100 points)

The Appliances contest during the Solar Decathlon is designed to mimic the appliance use of the average U.S. home while using less energy.

To earn points, student teams must:

Maintain refrigerator temperature ranges within 34°F/1.11°C to 40°F/4.44°C.
Maintain freezer temperature ranges within -20°F/-28.9°C to 5°F/-1.5°C.
Wash and dry 10 loads of laundry during the contest week.
Run the dishwasher five times during the contest week.

Printable Version

Photo of a student from the University of Puerto Rico with an exhausted look on his face, sitting on the floor in front of a dryer and holding a checklist. Two other students stand near him smiling.

In 2007, students from Carnegie Mellon visit Puerto Rican team members to share stories—perhaps about how difficult it is dry a dozen fluffy towels, as required for the Appliances contest.