IRWD a Sponsor of 2015 Solar Decathlon – Event Begins October 8

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 will take place at the Orange County Great Park on eight days over two weekends beginning on October 8.

The event features highly efficient solar powered houses designed and built by collegiate teams, in addition to sponsor exhibits and a variety of activities. IRWD will provide the water to fill the tanks of each of the homes, and will transport the gray water once the event concludes. In addition, IRWD will supply drinking water for the entire venue.

Teaming up for their first Solar Decathlon competition under the name “Team Orange County” are the University of California, Irvine; Chapman University; Irvine Valley College, and Saddleback College. The team designed an innovative, net-zero-energy house that draws inspiration from the California state flower: the golden poppy. Like the flower, Casa Del Sol is drought-resistant and architecturally adapted to Southern California. It features an open design with a flex floor plan and separate studio for multigenerational living or a possible rental.

The Solar Decathlon houses will be open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, October 8-11 and October 15-18. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.solardecathlon.gov/.