This year, Georgia Tech students have the chance to compete in the Department of Energy’s biennial Solar Decathlon. The Solar Decathlon is a competition among collegiate teams to build solar-powered houses. Along the way, participants learn about environmental benefits, comfort, and affordability of energy-efficient homes.

Since it started in 2002, the program has hosted more than 130 collegiate teams. The program has also grown internationally with expansion into Europe, China, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

The Solar Decathlon team is currently looking for students with the following backgrounds or interests: 

• Electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science: Renewable energy, Internet of Things, and the ability to build systems
• Mechanical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering: Hands-on work, designing sustainable energy systems, with preferred experience in thermodynamics/heat transfer
• Materials science and engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering: Phase Change Material or other new materials for use in residential homes 
• Civil and environmental engineering, architecture: Sustainable building analysis and construction, hands-on work 
• Business: Marketing, commercialization, fundraising, operations management, human capital management, and controlling

Students can learn more about the VIP program and Solar Decathlon project by attending an upcoming information session:

• Friday, Nov. 6, 5 – 6:30 p.m. in Klaus 1447
• Monday, Nov. 9, 7 – 8 p.m. in Klaus 2447

Throughout the semester the team will meet Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Students interested in joining the Solar Decathlon Team can apply here or contact Alexandre Poux alex.poux@gatech.edu.

The Georgia Tech team is organized through the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program. This program joins undergraduate teams with faculty and graduate student advisors to create large-scale design and discovery projects.

Participation in VIP can be registered for academic credit, so the program is able to encourage students to participate for more than one semester. Students gain more exposure to multidisciplinary design projects and professional skills than they would in regular courses. For a list of all the current project teams, visit www.vip.gatech.edu/teams.