A Solar House of Tongji University will participate in the Solar Decathlon in America

Updated:28/07/11 09:12:36 AM CST

Six containers are assembled into a succinct Y-shaped space equipped with appliances with renewable energy systems. On June 16, a “solar house”, on the design and construction of which a multi-disciplinary team from Tongji university has spent more than a year and a month，made its first appearance in Zhangwu Campus of Tongji University.

In a few weeks, it will be dismounted and transported to America, for the Solar Decathlon 2011 in Washington, DC, America which will stage at the end of September. Tongji University is the only contestant from Asia that will participate in this event.

Completion and shipment ceremony of the “Solar House” was held in the afternoon of June 16. Present at the ceremony were, among others, US Consul General in Shanghai Beatrice Camp, Cultural Affairs Officer Mr. Pfleger, Prof. Zhou Jialun, Chairman of the University Council, Executive vice President Li Yongsheng, Vice Presidents Chen Xiaolong and Dong Qi of Tongji University, Faculty Program Adviser Tan Hongwei, Qian Feng, the representative of Green Alliance of Chinese Universities established that day in the morning, and the representative of the sponsors.

Prof. Zhou Jialun, Chairman of the University Council, said in his speech that Tongji University spent two consecutive years preparing for the Solar Decathlon, with the purpose of enhancing the multi-disciplinary and hands-on capability, and promoting “Excellent Engineers' Training”. It is a new move in constructing a sustainable campus.

The Solar Decathlon initiated and sponsored by the US Department of Energy, is held every two years and challenges 20 colleges to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses with appliances with renewable energy systems that are available today.