Study is shedding new light on an unexpected source of energy for heating homes and producing electricity-the sun.

The sun-directly or indirectly-is the major source for most types of energy found on Earth. Solar energy is clean, abundant and renewable.

Though we think of solar energy as a new discovery, ancient civilizations located innovative approaches to work with solar energy. Amongst them, the Greeks, Romans and Chinese all developed approaches to work with solar warmth for their homes, which includes making use of southern exposures to maximize solar heating and generating use of solar lighting.

Now, thanks to innovative technologies, it really is attainable to capture this energy, concentrate it, shop it and convert it into electrical energy.

Sunlight is converted into electrical energy making use of solar cells. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic cells, or “PV cells” for short. PV cells had been first developed inside the 1950s for use in American space satellites. Today, they may be employed for energy needs ranging from telecommunications to rural electrification. PV cells may be located on items we use every day, for instance calculators, flashlights, radios, landscape lighting and children’s toys.

Portable solar photovoltaic units are also available for emergency and disaster use, just like keeping cell phones and smaller appliances charged when the user is away from the grid or through blackouts.

Shoppers can harness the energy in the sun for themselves more effortlessly than ever. Solar panels you see on buildings and homes have been available on the market for decades. New systems-which incorporate solar into roofing shingles-are now aesthetically pleasing, effective and durable.

2006 ushers in new tax credits for solar energy technologies and buyers might also be eligible for state rebates.

Sunlight is not only employed to generate electricity. It’s also used to heat water, which may be employed to warm homes and organizations. Solar-powered radiant heating systems run some industrial processes and drive turbines to create electrical energy. A lot of solar thermal technologies have been employed in homes for decades and may last more than 20 years.

Specialists believe that solar energy technologies can benefit this nation in quite a few approaches. They have the possible to help diversify this country’s energy provide, reduce the dependence on imported fuels, increase air quality, offset greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate the economic climate by helping to make jobs inside the manufacturing and installation of solar energy systems.

A quote from a 1990s sit-com, “adding geothermal energy disadvantages is a great place to begin with home improvements.” Aged homes are often suspect when an eye is on electrification, and it is critical that homes have enough electricity. Structures that should have 25K watts of power for operating various circuitry will encounter dangerous and serious outcomes when the watts and amperage are not adequate to supply the need.

Having inadequate supplies of electrification can be hard on everything attached to it. Fire is the greatest danger posed by an inefficient electrical system, and Murphy and his twin brothers, Stupid and Broke are sure to move in to take over your appliances including refrigerator and air-conditioning system. If your houses electrical system is up to date with switches, wiring, outlets, and the circuitry capable of handling the load you are currently placing on it, you’re sure to notice savings on your utility bills.

Once an extensive update has been achieved, homeowners can include any electrical device they want with the assurance that a good supply of electricity is there. Tools and appliances used outdoors are easier to work with when outdoor outlets are also supplied with the needed power there also with outlets around the property. With a well electrified home more home improvements can be made with greater ease.

Without having to fight extension lines or change locations when using tools changes the magnitude of projects and time is saved which is another a win, win for the homeowner. All improvements are good if they are well built, and they are useful most of the time and add value to the property.

After basic upgrades and home improvements are done and you have had time to gather yourself, the ambition to again feel saw dust and smell of cement returns. Increasing creature benefits of the home begins anew. If your house is in the Southwest, creating an outside kitchen is just an example of the type of family friendly updates that can be installed where you can gather to entertain, cook and eat.

A house with an patio attached that is covered with enough area to accommodate it is a wonderful place to get started when you’re ready to establish the perfect outside kitchen. If your porch ceiling stands a minimum of 8 feet tall it’s easy to duplicate any room of the house under that roof. Newly accomplished innovations have created equipment capable of withstanding weather conditions and equip families with reliable service year after year.

One update in the world of high tech which is taking grill chefs by storm is what is known as the infrared gas grill. These stainless steel wonders work with a speed that has never been seen before, with the excellence grill chefs require with a simple touch of the finger. You can realize a variety of features including smokers, heat racks, and the ever important bean pot mounted on the side. When you include a flat grill to the mix for an outdoor breakfast on a nice morning in the spring integrated with bacon and eggs and syrup covered pancakes and fresh coffee, you’ll feel like you have entered the pearly gates.

If you want to speak of heaven, with all the features that are available for your outside kitchen like dish washer and double sink, cleaning up is little trouble. Flexibility of design provides homeowners efficiency along with more time to enjoy with family. This style of home improvement project is priceless when you think about the enjoyment it will add to the family.

Adding an exceptional water feature or flower bed to your outdoor design along with a kitchen, if the weather is moderate in the local area, will bring the party outside every time and gives any host another edge. Keeping the revelers outdoors where you can keep an eye on them will help to alleviate undue incidents from taking place in your home. When you have a patio and yard which stimulates the senses, helps to create excitement as well as relaxing moments.

It is personally rewarding to be able to include the outdoors in your home improvement efforts. It can also give the needed kick some properties need when it comes time to pass the home on to a new owner. Correctly orchestrated home improvements will come back with a full return on the investment when potential buyers notice the exceptional value when they want to move into their dream home just ready and waiting for them. So person’s should look to add energy saving projects like pros and cons of geothermal energy in your home plans.

Collecting rain water is a common sense solution, particularly when you want to use the recycled water for gardening, washing cars or getting some cleaning done in the yard. It is easy to collect a barrel full of rain water but you need to find a way of putting this water to efficient use. It is expensive to invest in a sophisticated rain harvesting system, especially if your need is only confined for domestic washing purposes. In this case, you can find your solution with the Rain Perfect pump, which is a solar powered pump from ITT. This gadget is the ideal requirement for your backyard needs and comes with a rain barrel, which have about 40 to 65 gallons capacity for water storage. The Rain Perfect gadget can be easily screwed on to the barrel for use.

Features of the Rain Perfect Pump
The gadget does not require the use of electricity which means that it can be used anywhere and at any time. The 3.5 KW solar panel charges the pump with rechargeable NiMH battery which is energy saving and environment friendly.

The solar panel with 15 feet of wire can soak up the sun and harnesses the power of the sun efficiently and is the perfect eco-friendly alternative.
The pump on a single charge can effectively bring up to 100 gallons of water at 13 pounds per square inch and is easy to install on any other rain barrel types as well. It is also easy to connect with most garden hoses.

The gadget includes a control box with the NiMH rechargeable battery, an intake hose, submersible pump, a 3.5 solar watt panel and ground stake if you prefer to mount it on the ground.
There is also an added bonus if you purchase a Rain Perfect Pump and barrel, as you may qualify for a rebate by the government or your local service utility company.

How the Rain Perfect Pump works
This gadget is not only easy to install but can fit into almost any type of garden hose and provides plenty of pressure, to utilize the recycled water for various outdoor purposes. The pressure is adequate enough for most low pressure garden sprinklers, or for watering the plants and washing the car. There is a marked increase to about 30 percent of water usage in suburban areas, particularly during the summer months when more water is required for gardening and household washing purposes. The Rain Perfect Pump comes in handy as the ideal requirement for harnessing the rain water in any home.

Since this gadget runs on solar power, there will be less consumption of electrical power energy, which will not only be cost effective but a green benefit as well. You can charge your solar panel for about 8 hours of sun time and get the maximum harnessed benefits.

With so much focus on green living and harvesting rain water for recycling, it is truly worthwhile investing in this solar rain water pump, for harnessing water directly from your rain tank. Harvesting rain water is a way of contributing to the depleting sources of water from our environment. Putting the rain water to good and efficient use is another way of helping to recycle our natural resources.

About the author: Rubela is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of gadgets. Recently an article on plastic pollution attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9.

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Washington, D.C. – February 1 – The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit working to eliminate energy poverty through the use of solar power, today announced that it is launching “Energy is a Human Right,” a campaign to provide a voice to the nearly 1.5 billion people around the world living without access to electricity and other forms of modern energy. It is also calling upon the international development community and general public to join the campaign by visiting www.EnergyIsAHumanRight.com to show their support for those living in energy poverty, and to learn how they can help provide energy access to assist in their economic, education, health and agricultural development.

“For the last 15 years, SELF has always believed and said that energy is essential for life,” says Bob Freling, Executive Director, SELF. “Access to energy is foundational to achieving a broad range of basic human rights and all of the Millennium Development Goals. Without it, life is very, very difficult as I’m sure 1.5 billion people can attest to.”

Through its Whole Village development model, SELF works hand-in-hand with communities to create and implement innovative solar energy solutions to improve people’s health and education, ensure food and water security, and spur economic development. Recently, it made a commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Energy for All Initiative to continue scaling up this model in Benin, West Africa by installing solar systems to power water systems, schools, health clinics, community centers, and street and household lighting systems. Mr. Freling is also co-chairing the initiative’s Working Group on Energy and Health, which will be examining ways to provide access to renewable energy sources for hospitals and health care clinics to support medical services.

“We proudly support the U.N. initiative and look forward to closely working with them to provide universal access to energy to those in need,” says Freling. “Our hope in launching this human rights campaign is to call attention to the critical role energy can play in helping people lift themselves out of poverty and create a better life.”

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A Case for Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

by Katia Lundy, Sr. Marketing Specialist, Member of the Con Edison Green Team

If you think it’s hard trying to get a loan from a bank or selling real estate in this economy, try “selling” money. Well, not actually selling money but giving generous rebates and incentives for energy efficiency projects. The sales process is not any easier even when the “product” is cash-back, moolah, money! In these tough economic times, businesses from all levels have pulled back and have become extremely guarded with how they spend their dollars. Accordingly, based on various energy efficiency polls, although public sentiments are aligned with the idea of energy conservation to reduce carbon emissions and to help the environment, many businesses do not plan to implement energy efficiency upgrades because, they can’t afford it.

When the purse strings are tightened, how can the message get across that investing in energy efficiency today only benefits participants in the long haul? “People naturally think there is a catch but the catch is…there is no catch. Owners and managers of large office buildings, medium size retail outlets or any other commercial and industrial facilities interested in improving operations, reducing maintenance costs, lowering energy bills and procuring a more sustainable future, can greatly benefit from an energy efficiency rebate program” said David Pospisil, program manager for the Con Edison Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program.

Many building owners do want to be energy efficient but are very skeptical about “free money” campaigns. And besides, they can’t spare the upfront cost for major upgrades or to replace older equipment at this juncture is a reoccurring sentiment.

The truth of the matter is, under state regulation, many public and municipal utilities are now required to spend money to help businesses reduce energy consumption. Actually reducing energy output may in fact help the utilities save money by preventing future investments in new facilities and or utility infrastructure. Also, although the upfront cost may be more for these energy efficient upgrades, the investment can offset this in energy savings and lower monthly utility bills. Utility incentives can often make a big difference in one’s bottom line.

Why is Energy Efficiency important in the commercial and industrial sector? Energy is such an integral part of our lives that we often use it without thinking. Being energy efficient means using energy wisely; doing the same amount of work while using less energy. The more efficient we are about energy usage, the less we’ll have to spend and the more environmentally sound we’ll be.

As it stands now, electricity and natural gas account for more than 87% of total energy consumed in the commercial building sector according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Making these buildings more energy efficient makes good business sense. And besides, energy costs are the most controllable of a facility’s operating expense.

Because commercial office buildings consume a majority of all energy used, energy efficiency managers target energy efficiency measures with the greatest savings potential. In office buildings, the equipment includes high-efficiency replacement motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), lighting and controls for heating and cooling equipment. The program also offers a custom program that embraces innovative measures not listed in the equipment rebate program. These may include chiller and/or refrigeration upgrades, industrial process improvements and or compressed air system improvements.

For businesses that do not have an energy management policy in place, now is the perfect time while money is readily available from utilities, federal and local governments for energy audits, equipment retrofit, installations and upgrades. Having an energy management plan in place can help:

• mitigate energy price volatility
• achieve operational cost savings
• improve environmental comfort and building performance
• positively impact net operating margins

Other benefits that may not be on top of the list but are important none-the-less include the psychological benefits. A study by U.S. Department of Energy, Greening the Building and the Bottom Line, found within high performing buildings, productivity rises by as much as 16% due to the office being quieter, more comfortable and with better air and lighting.

It makes perfect sense for businesses to get involved now while rebates are being offered for energy efficiency upgrades as they can be applied back to the operation. “Free money” doesn’t come around that often.

To get your piece of the pie and to learn more about Con Edison’s C&I Energy Efficiency Program, visit www.conEd.com/energysavings or call an energy efficiency representative at 1-877-797-6347. Since the launch of the Con Edison Energy Efficiency C&I Program, the Con Edison Green team has helped many commercial and industrial customers, including office buildings, restaurants, hotels, banks hospitals, and residential apartment buildings, among others, earn valuable cash incentives and saved an estimated 114 million kWh of energy, which equates to enough power to serve approximately 6,400 households per year.

If you found the article useful, please pass on our information to your friends. Many of the issues discussed in the article are not widely known.

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The latest episode in the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) award-winning “Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions” podcast series puts forth the reassuring finding that concerns about global warming having a domino effect — unleashing 600 billion tons of carbon in vast expanses of peat in the Northern hemisphere and accelerating warming to disastrous proportions — may be less justified than previously thought.

In the podcast, Christian Blodau, Ph.D., explains that peat bogs — wet deposits of partially decayed plants that are the source of fuel and gardeners’ peat moss — hold about one-third of the world’s carbon. Scientists have been concerned that global warming might dry out the surface of peatlands, allowing the release into the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and methane (a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide) produced from decaying organic matter.

To see whether this catastrophic domino effect is a realistic possibility, Blodau and colleagues conducted laboratory simulations studying the decomposition of wet bog peat for nearly two years.

Far from observing sudden releases of greenhouse gases, they found that carbon release and methane production slowed down considerably in deeply buried wet peat, most likely because deeper peat is shielded from exchange of water and gases with the atmosphere.

In connection with previous work, they concluded that even under moderately changing climatic conditions, peatlands will continue to sequester, or isolate from the atmosphere, their huge deposits of carbon and methane.

The new podcast is available without charge at iTunes and from www.acs.org/globalchallenges.

Many states and localities are pushing to institute deregulation of energy companies and this move is designed to reduce electricity rates. Proponents of deregulation claim that putting the power of choice into the hands of the consumer will allow them to benefit from cheap electricity. Many consumer groups are calling for deregulation and the cheap electricity they say will come with it. Regardless of the consumer group claims of cheap electricity, the real story may not provide as clear a savings as being claimed. Cheap electricity rates may seem like a dream for many but others are looking at technology, deregulation and consumer demand as a driving force that will finally bring these spiraling costs under control.

In the early 80s the telephone companies were deregulated and this move made trying to find a phone plan that you could understand as confusing as the mobile phone and data plans and television plans are today. Proponents of deregulation say we will not have the same problems that were caused by the influx of phone companies. The infrastructure of electric service will not change, only the place that consumers send their bill and call for service. It is this continued conflict of interest that keeps consumers paying high electricity rates in deregulated states.

The real ability to have the power to choose your own electricity rates comes from the introduction of new technology such as solar and wind alternatives. Market penetration of advanced technologies is having little affect on the price of power because the price of installing the technology is not being offset by a corresponding reduction in purchased power or increased savings. Also many communities do not allow for the installation of reverse metering which can make solar or wind turbine technology more feasible for the normal household.

Single energy companies are relative monopolies in most communities and it only through utility commissions that rates remain at an affordable point for consumers. However, the introduction of additional companies while sparking competition these companies are actually buying the same power that was available prior to deregulation and are using the same infrastructure in every instance. This puts those customers who choose a lower priced alternative at the mercy of the service of the old company, which no longer has an incentive to provide top notch customer service in areas where they have lost significant users.

Visionary planning can be defined as the ability to change things for the overall good of society while dreaming may be classified as hoping that changing something just because it sounds good will result in cheaper electricity rates. Providing savings for consumers will remain in the purview of utility commissions but consumers are beginning to have their say in demanding lower electricity rates. States that have already deregulated the energy companies are finding that many regulated states are still providing their consumers with cheaper electricity rates and better service than that being offered by the new energy companies

Use of solar energy is becoming much more well-known everyday. The value of electrical energy is rising and also the very best alternative that we’ve currently is making use of solar energy. All of us realize that global warming is on an everyday rise currently. The main reason for this being burning of fossil fuels like coal, which in turn is being used to generate electricity, so if we want our future to become safe, this really is the time we step forward and start off making use of solar technologies.

Need to have for Electrical Energy

Arguments which have regularly supported that electrical energy is of utmost importance and requirements to stay are:

1. Need for light and power just after it becomes dark

2. Need for appliances to function in order that the food we eat remains edible.

We could be significantly interrupted in our day-to-day routine if we didn’t have power or electrical energy for large portion of day. Not being able to use electrical energy for either work or entertainment could be an awesome hamper on life as we know it.

Assortment of Solar Energy Merchandise

The main reason that many men and women do not use solar energy is for the reason that they are not conscious of what all it has to supply. This being stated that they are not conscious of what all merchandise are out there that will be applied using the aid of solar energy for an average household. In actual fact, it is possible to set up solar energy systems that range from small portable systems for your house to large permanent solar energy systems which might be built right into your property as either a standalone system or possibly a grid system. It can be this wide-ranging versatility coupled using the fact that it’s a renewable easily available power source that tends to make it such an awesome factor.

You are able to start off out small with individual systems like solar water heater, solar shower, solar lighting, solar fans. Which is not all, as of late, we also have solar radios, cookers, purification system. Solar energy is far more beneficial as it might be used to recharge your batteries and it is possible to also power up each and every single appliance in your residence using the aid in the ideal solar system. It can be just a matter of figuring out exactly where you wish to use it.

Solar energy might be used in your garden or house. By making use of it in various places around the household, it is possible to cut your power bills significantly. You can find a multitude of utilizes for solar energy around the household. It could be used to recharge your batteries, telephone and also other small appliances. When you discover solar energy for the home, you might realize which you can power up virtually any electrical appliance or machine using the ideal home solar power systems and supplies.

Immediately after reading the above article, it is possible to quickly start off to view exactly where and how utilizing solar energy would benefit you, your pocketbook as well as your kids. Just understand that today’s saving could result in a bright and healthy future. So invest in solar system kits and it is possible to get pleasure from each and every aspect of electrical energy using the aid of solar energy, it is possible to function in well lit circumstances, you might save your income and you might guard the environment. You are able to get pleasure from solar energy for the home by working it in your life steadily.

I hope this article has given you new insight on the subject and given you some things to think about. Although there is nothing new under the sun, the information that you have just finished reading is presented in a fresh and interesting way.

One thing is for sure, information on this subject is available all over the Internet and this article is one of many articles available on the subject. We love writing on this subject and have presented our point of view. Feel free to look around and explore our site for more solar energy information.

When we think about saving the environment, we usually picture a group of long-haired, sometimes grungy looking organic farmers, composters, and recycling enthusiasts joining together and trying to save the world. If you consider yourself a big time planetary ambassador of goodwill, then you probably have a hard time grasping the fact that you are reading a social media blog about environmentalism on your smartphone while updating your Gov’t Mule bootleg playlists.

Instead of just the traditional enthusiasts using things like solar and wind power, many young and savvy entrepreneurs are turning to it because it is such an untapped and demanded market. By investing money into solar start ups, these businessmen are able to maximize their profits while helping to develop sustainable energy resources. Energy Plus Company would like to help and is connected to several sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to better spread the solar message.

By offering rewards and benefits for conserving energy, businesses can benefit from the positive publicity and kick start an effort to help the environment. By helping consumers invest in things like solar panels, energy companies can spark the change that is needed in our society.

One of the most unique products to stem from the new social media and environmental association is a set of mobile phone chargers from a German company called Changers. Their products use natural sunlight to power your mobile device instead of draining energy from your wall outlet. After you have used your device for a little bit, you can create an account on the company website and view graphs and charts outlining your progress. You can also share your information on sites like Facebook and Twitter in order to get your friends interested.

Social media websites allow people to share information at extremely fast and accurate rates. A corporation like Energy Plus Company can be made more profitable if people find out about it through a Facebook group, a series of Tweets, or on someone’s LinkedIn profile. When it comes down to analyzing it, environmentalism is ultimately about communication and spreading ideas. The incorporation of social media is a natural progression for the movement.

This blog started out as a simple repository of basic information, then it grew to be a place on the web that is dedicated to solar. We thank everyone who contributed to our blog and also the people who painstakingly take time to read and comment – to make our site the best that it could be.

Pepco Buys UMD’s Solar Decathlon-Winner for Public Education

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – WaterShed, the international-prize-winning solar house built by University of Maryland students, faculty and professional partners, has found a buyer and a permanent site: Electric service provider Pepco is purchasing the high-tech building, and plans to locate it at one of its facilities in Montgomery County, Maryland.

The purchase secures WaterShed’s future and will make its innovative technology and design available to the public for educational purposes, the parties explain. Under the arrangement, Pepco and the University will partner on its operation, monitor its performance, conduct ongoing research and work closely on designing educational materials about WaterShed.

The house will serve as a “living classroom” and a “living laboratory” to demonstrate smart, clean energy options, blending its original technological and design innovations with Pepco’s own advanced technology, such as its smart thermostats and home-based electric vehicle charging stations.
After its win at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon last October, WaterShed was disassembled and moved from the National Mall to College Park, awaiting a final home and buyer. Ultimately, PEPCO’s proposal was selected because the company shared the team’s vision of using the house to educate the public about sustainable, affordable and beautiful design, University officials explain.

“In purchasing this home, Pepco is recognizing the hard work, commitment and creativity of the University of Maryland’s Solar Decathlon 2011 Team,” says the company’s Vice President of Business Transformation Karen Lefkowitz. “Their achievement cannot be overstated.”

WaterShed overcame fierce competition by 19 other collegiate teams from around the world, each challenged to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. Like all of the Decathlon entries, WaterShed runs solely on solar power, but is also constructed to harvest, recycle and reuse water. Unique design elements, such as “manufactured wetlands” that both protect and produce resources, set WaterShed apart in the competition.

“The team is thrilled with Pepco’s commitment because it ensures that WaterShed will continue to have a public voice,” says the project’s principal investigator Amy Gardner, an associate professor of Architecture at the University Maryland. “WaterShed speaks to the viability and untapped potential of sustainable strategies and technologies. It reminds us of the task before us – stewardship of the environment in which we live. The partnership of the University with PEPCO to further develop and teach these strategies is a fitting homage to the collaborative nature of the project.”

Pepco plans to open WaterShed to the public at one of its Montgomery County facilities, though a final site selection has not yet been made. The plan is to use it for conferences, educational presentations and occasional public tours. It will also serve Pepco as an energy testing facility. University researchers will continue measuring performance of its various systems to assess its long-term operation.

“This is an unusual example of technology transfer to the commercial sector, and we’re delighted to collaborate with Pepco in WaterShed’s second act,” says University of Maryland President Wallace Loh. “Our students, faculty, and the community of mentors that made this achievement possible, developed a patent-pending innovation, along with a series of design innovations that have attracted international interest from communities dealing with water-related issues. Their ideas will continue to reverberate in our region thanks to Pepco’s purchase.”

Under the agreement of sale, Pepco is covering WaterShed’s outstanding project costs and will pay for its transport and reassembly. The sale price was not disclosed.

The agreement also draws on the Watershed team’s expertise to facilitate its transport and siting. Student team members will serve as docents once the facility opens, explaining to visitors the house’s capabilities and design features.

“The WaterShed team took on a double challenge when it built a house that would run on the sun and address a significant source of Chesapeake Bay pollution, so its first-place performance on the international stage was more than a major source of pride,” says Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “We’re extremely pleased that Pepco has agreed to provide a permanent home for WaterShed, so that its educational impact and research can continue.”

The Maryland team designed WaterShed to help reduce storm water runoff. The house harmonizes modern, traditional, and simple building strategies, balancing time-tested best practices and advanced technological solutions to achieve high efficiency performance in an affordable manner, the team explains. Its winning design includes several technical innovations, including a patent-pending indoor waterfall that provides humidity control in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

“We inspired ourselves and thousands of others through the Solar Decathlon, but an organization such as Pepco has the resources and power to reach millions,” says Leah Davies, WaterShed student team leader. “With Pepco, WaterShed can serve as an educational backbone for future innovations in residential energy use – just as we designed it!”

The 200-member UMD Solar Decathlon Team includes students and faculty from the Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and the University Libraries. Maryland businesses and professional groups provided significant financial and mentoring support as well.