“The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges collegiate teams from across the nation and internationally to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. During the two weekends in October, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes and learn how energy-saving features can help save money.”—U.S Department of Energy

Since this is the first time that this event will be held outside of Washington D.C., the U.S. Department of Energy’s assignment of the Orange County Great Park as the site for the 2013 Solar Decathlon was a big coup for the Great Park team and the City of Irvine. The exact dates and times for the Solar Decathlon are the weekends of October 3-6 and October 10-13 from 11 am to 7 pm.

This event, which will be free to the public, is currently open for submittal from potential exhibitors and speakers. Deadlines for applying as a speaker or an exhibitor are approaching fast:

• Speaker Application Deadline: June 15, 2013. Click here to apply.

• Exhibitor Space Application: July 1, 2013. Click here to apply.

Additional information about the 2013 Solar Decathlon can be found at http://www.the-xpo.org/ and solardecathlon.gov.