BOONE, N.C.,None — The Solar Decathlon is finally complete, and Appalachian State University's Solar Homestead finished the competition Saturday in 12th place and won the People's Choice Award.
“Clearly, our outcome in the scoring isn't exactly what we wanted, but we're proud of everything we've accomplished,” communications manager Dave Lee said Saturday afternoon. “I just think we've done a really valuable thing.”
Visitors and supporters clearly saw the value in the Solar Homestead, as it also won the most of the 92,538 votes cast for the People's Choice Award.
"The team's passion and enthusiasm were contagious," said Terri Jones, Solar Decathlon communications contest official. "The People's Choice Award is a popular vote, and I believe the Solar Homestead house and team appealed to people on many levels."
During the 10-day competition, the team's greatest achievements included a tie for first place in the hot water competition, second place in communications, a tie for third in home entertainment and a third place finish in architecture.
At one point, the Solar Homestead climbed as high as fifth place overall.
The Solar Decathlon is a prestigious international competition that challenges 20 teams to design and build solar-powered homes that are cost-effective, efficient and attractive. They are judged based on 10 contests, some of which are quantitatively measured and others that are juried by experts in the field.
The University of Maryland won the 2011 competition, followed by Perdue University and New Zealand (Victoria University of Wellington).