Solar Decathlon grounds (via DOE)

An innovation-stirring biennial competition is travelling to the west coast in 2013 for the first time in its decade-long existence. The Solar Decathlon will be in California this year for the 20+ college teams participating from all parts of the globe. (Normally held in Washington DC) Competition organizers hope to engage a new audience with innovations of technology and design from the 20 U.S. universities competing to make the best solar powered home.

The Decathlon put teams of students from all over the country against each other to compete in 10 categories. Using solar energy to power the home is only part of the challenge. The houses must be functionally and cost effective as well as incorporate a modern design. Solar technology progress is made yearly. Increases in efficiency, innovative applications, and the use of organic materials will make the biennial competition exciting.

From transparent to a light source, the OLED solar cell (via Phillips)

One example of a possible contender in the event comes in the form of solar cells and light bulbs, combined. Lumiblade organic LEDs (OLEDs) are emerging technologies being developed by Philips and the chemical company BASF. These light sources produce light by running a current through a thin layer of organic semiconductor material. The collaboration of Philips and BASF has produced Lumiblade OLEDs of just 1.8 mm thickness, with materials and dyes that become transparent when light is not being emitted. Furthermore, this OLED can be put between solar cells to capture solar energy. The applications for transparent panels that capture solar energy and emit light can be used through out the modern solar home.

Dr. Felix Görth, OLED and Photovoltaics head at BASF, described the tech best, " This combination allows the driver to enjoy a unique open-space feeling while it generates electricity during the day and pleasantly suffuses the interior with the warm light of the transparent, highly efficient OLEDs at night."

Solar OLED (via Phillips)

Innovations similar to the Lumiblade will surely be showcased in the 2013 Solar Decathlon. The Department of Energy’s Secretary, Steven Chu, explained what we can expect, “The Solar Decathlon will unleash the ingenuity, creativity and drive from these talented students to demonstrate new ideas for how families and businesses can reduce energy use and save money with clean energy products and efficient building design.”

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A solar roof shopping plaza via solaraerials

The largest rooftop solar initiative is underway. Called Project Amp, the goal is to bring 733 Mega Watts (MW)of additional energy into the USA. The consortium consists of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Bank of America, and a collection of other public and private companies. Partially supported by the 2009 stimulus bill, $1.4 billion USD is already available with a conditional commitment from the DOE, and another $12 billion in reserves.

Phase 1 will come from 90% U.S. sources parts, and will take over 750 existing rooftops managed by Prologis. Beginning in Southern California, lead investor NRG Energy will oversee a 15.4 MW installation. All power will be sold to Southern California Edison.  Ultimately, 28 states and D.C. will benefit from this project. An estimated 1 million MWh of power will be generated annually, which they state as powering 88,000 homes. An environmentally friendly 580,000 tons of carbon pollution will be saved thanks to the effort. In this grand project, only 1,000 new jobs will be created.

Looks like Tata Steel and Dyesol's rooftop panels were a good idea with another $12 billion at stake for solar in the U.S.

Eavesdropper