U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is an award-winning competition taking place Oct. 3-13, 2013, at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. The program challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive.

Open to the public free of charge, the Solar Decathlon gives visitors the opportunity to tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today.

Get involved! Learn how you can articipate as an event sponsor or team sponsor.

Solar Decathlon Schedule:

The competition houses will be open to visitors on eight days over two weekends. Public hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

• Thursday, Oct. 3–Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013
• Thursday, Oct. 10–Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013

Learn about the money-saving opportunities and environmental benefits presented by clean-energy products and design solutions. In 2011, the Solar Decathlon offered 31 workshops onsite for the public and held a dedicated day of six workshops for builders and industry.

Visit www.solardecathlon.gov to learn more about the competition, teams, Solar Decathlon history and directions to the Orange County Great Park.