Solar Decathlon Kicked off Mall

Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Every two years since 2002, college teams from the around the world have descended on the National Mall to compete for their spot in the sun in the Solar Decathlon, a competition to build the most attractive and effective solar-powered house (See WRGW's 2009 coverage here).  This year, however, the teams may need to shift that spot to somewhere else.

The DC-centered blog DCist first reported in mid-January that due to concerns over the National Mall's health, the event would not be allowed to take place on the beleaguered grass between Capital hill and the Lincoln Memorial.  Some commentators, including DCist itself, immediately cried foul, noting that the week long event was just one of dozens that occur on the mall each year, yet the Solar Decathlon appeared to have been singled out for displacement.  While the Department of Energy is trying to keep the competition either within or near DC, other cities around the country have been raised as potential alternates.

Many teams, several from overseas, have already booked plane tickets and hotel reservations, further complicating matters.  Additionally, engineering calculations for the houses' finely-tuned solar generation systems are designed for the Washington area climate, and any last-minute change could lead to headaches for participants.

The Washington Post, however, lauded the decision, noting it was part of a positive trend towards preserving the Mall, along with the now-underway renovation of the reflecting pool.  The Decathlon has been known to cause severe damage to the nation's lawn in the past, with large trucks and heavy equipment digging deep ruts into the sod.

Confusingly, however, the National Park Service did approve the National Book Festival to take place on the mall during the same period, making efforts to restore the Decathlon to its previous home all the more difficult.  Reports have circulated today that the competition may be moved to the National Harbor, a development just south of the District, but Decathlon officials were unable to confirm if this was the case.