ABSTRACT
As Solar Decathlon 2007 approached, leaders at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) realized that the competition had reached a new phase in its development. The program was deemed highly effective, and seasoned organizers had a strong grip on how to manage the competition. Solar Decathlon had earned a solid reputation as an outstanding educational experience. Responses to the request for proposals from collegiate teams indicated increasing interest across the country. The U.S. DOE was convinced that funding this special program on a biennial basis was worth the investment.
