School of Engineering

KU team designing heat transfer walls for 2007 Solar Decathlon house

KU is among 20 teams taking part in the 2007 Solar Decathlon sponsored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. Mario A. Medina, associate professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, will lead KU's role in this collaborative state effort, which includes Kansas State University and the Kansas Energy Office.

The Solar Decathlon is an international collegiate competition. Student teams compete to design, build and operate highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered houses that incorporate building integrated photovoltaics, which convert sunlight to electricity.
For an invitation to compete, universities submitted detailed proposals for a diminutive home about 15 feet by 20 feet. Of the 20 teams chosen to advance, each received $100,000 to underwrite the construction of their entry. Read More