History

In the spring of 2007, a group of students came together to apply the things they were learning in the classroom to addressing global concerns about the environment and energy resources. These students formed the OSU Solar Decathlon Team and were accepted into the competition in early 2008.  Over the two year project period, over 60 students, pursuing more than 20 disciplines across the university, have contributed to the OSU Solar Decathlon project.

Solar House I was completely designed and built by this team of students, who started with the intent of demonstrating the possibilities of good design and solid engineering, and successfully created a house that is technologically advanced and pleasantly livable.  In addition, students on the Team have worked to educate community members and promoted the Solar Decathlon to inspire passion for renewable energy and energy conservation in visitors.

The University

The students have enjoyed substantial support from all levels of the University. OSU President E. Gordon Gee is a great champion of the project, and the Team's faculty advisors and individuals throughout the university have helped and guided the team, enabling students to engage in completing each step of the project themselves.
The project was established within the expansive OSU College of Engineering, with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Knowlton School of Architecture working together in administering the project.  The Team has also benefitted from the OSU Institute for Energy and Environment's (IEE’s) extensive connections and its efforts to promote environmental sustainability around the state of Ohio.