Solar Decathlon officially open to public today

The Solar Decathlon is open to the public today. They'll have to brave some rain (1-2 inches forecasted), but they'll also get great treatment, I'm sure. I'm sitting in a dry tent, the location of several educational sessions for builders today and several other sessions for homeowners this weekend. It's a great place to stay dry AND learn more about solar technology and renewable energy. A few things I've overhead or had conversations about this week: * Olivia Bozik, a Purdue industrial engineering major, is part of the INHome team. She knew she had to be after growing up in Washington, D.C., where her father took her to the Solar Decathlon each time it was set up on the National Mall. Welcome home (or is that INHome?), Olivia! * Kristyn Zollos, a Purdue hospitality and tourism management major, helped script the talking points for each area of the tours. She's excited to help the public see how realistic and practical solar living can be. * Eric Holt, a graduate student in building construction management and INHome construction manager, said of the competition: "I've never had to build a house to take apart before." He has been employed in the construction industry prior to starting his graduate program. He also has " a whole new respect for the modular home industry", he said, because of the transportation issues it entails. * Many of the team members have bikes on site for transportation between the competition site and their hotel. Their ability to plan the building of the house has expanded to plan efficient use of time on site! * I was told that, on the second day of building, organizers told the teams, "If you want to be in contention for this competition, you have to beat Purdue." The confidence boost from organizers was based on Purdue's quick start as soon as construction was allowed.