Gregg H. Hawkins

Beyond Petroleum, also known as BP, is a proud partner of the U.S. Department of Energy and sponsor of the Solar Decathlon. The BP Solar decathlon begins today October 11, 2007 and goes through October 19, 2007. It is held at the national mall in Washington, DC. This even is held every other year and over 20 universities hand chosen from the U.S. Department of Energy from around the world are participating to design, build and operate livable, energy-efficient, and completely solar-powered houses.

“As the first major energy company to acknowledge the need for precautionary action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, BP is sponsoring this special event as part of our commitment to discovering cost effective, clean energy solutions for everyday living.”

Beyond Petroleum first sponsored the Solar Decathlon in 2002 and the second time in 2005. In both the 2002 and 2005 Solar Decathlons were won by the University of Colorado. What is great about the Solar Decathlon is that it helps create greater awareness of solar energy’s potential and in advancing the science and technology of solar energy.

The 20 universities will form what’s called a “Solar Village.” Once teams have settled in they will be judged on 10 different categories. These categories include architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort zone, appliances, hot water, lighting, energy balance, and getting around. A total of 1,200 points will be allocated between the 10 categories. The Solar Village will stand for the whole week allowing over 100,000 spectators to view them.