This is the home Team Ontario will be building.

A team comprised of students from three Ontario institutions including Queen’s, is one of only 20 collegiate teams to earn a place in the US Department of Energy’s 2013 Solar Decathlon Competition. Team Ontario is a partnership among Algonquin College, Carleton University, and Queen’s University and will bring students from a variety of disciplines together including engineering, architecture, advanced housing construction and business.

This Decathlon competition challenges teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. All teams now begin an 18 month process to refine and build their home designs prior to dis-assembling them for shipping to the competition site in Irvine California.

 “Team Ontario is thrilled to have been selected to compete in the 2013 Solar Decathlon,” says Business Manager Leia de Guzman a fourth year student at Queen’s. “This event provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote sustainable buildings and renewable energy while showcasing the work of our students on the world-stage. Our team’s net-positive energy home will capitalize on research and innovation while inspiring and educating the public to demand more from the next generation of homes.”

The houses will be judged on architecture, market appeal, engineering, affordability, comfort, hot water, appliances, home entertainment and energy balance. Last year’s competition homes were visited more than 350,000 times in ten days. Information on the 2013 Solar Decathlon can be found at www.solardecathlon.gov.