UMR has finished seventh in the 2005 Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. The team from the University of Colorado placed first overall. Eighteen teams entered solar houses in the competition, which was held on the National Mall. Judging in ten categories was completed over the weekend.

The sun sets on the Washington Monument and on the UMR solar house, which is lit with efficient energy.

Teams from colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Spain entered the 2005 competition. While some of the houses in the Solar Decathlon’s “solar village” had a very modern look, the UMR house was designed traditionally. It has 550 square feet of living space, which includes a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and closets.

About 50 solar panels line the roof to capture energy as efficiently as possible. The panels heat water and produce electricity.

“The practical energy savings are significant,” says UMR’s project leader Joel Lamson, a graduate student in mechanical engineering.

More information about the 2005 Solar Decathlon is available online at www.solardecathlon.org.