Solar technology is one of the best green alternatives to fossil fuels.
Countries across the world have shown their interest in alternative energy technology by investing heavily in it. In those countries, there are communities that have taken on huge initiatives to go green and spread the word.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 at the Great Park in Irvine was held outside of Washington, D.C., for the first time. The Solar Decathlon is an event where different kinds of alternative energy technologies, concepts and ideas are showcased for people to see.
It consisted of about 10 contests involving topics such as architecture, market appeal, energy balance and affordability. Many companies set up exhibits to display and explain what they are researching and doing to help the development of green technology. All of the companies are greatly concerned with the energy problem we face today.
Nineteen universities from around the United States and Europe competed as teams in building the most energy-efficient household in a 1,000-square-foot space limit. There were activities, workshops and panel discussions for the public to get involved.
As a high school student, the energy problem the world is facing today would not have casually crossed my mind. I attended the Solar Decathlon last week; this event really opened my eyes up to see the eminent reality of energy and its importance.
Personally, I believe it is important for my fellow high school students, even middle school students, to be aware of the greater world around them. Events like these help greatly, since they allow ideas to be exchanged on a big scale. They can inspire change and lead to scientific developments.
I visited the company-exhibit pavilion, panel discussions, collegiate teams' houses and linked up with students from other high schools, such as Northwood and Irvine High. Many of the volunteers there were high school students from Irvine, as well. The event also helps the public understand the state of alternative energy technology, along with how it is being incorporated into our daily lives.
During the next Solar Decathlon, I hope to see a greater diversity of universities from all around the world. Hopefully, universities from Latin America and Asia will be included and invited to create teams to compete in the contests. It would bring to the table a more global perspective on green technology, since every country has its own specific take on alternative energy.
I would like to see more involvement from high schools in the Solar Decathlon, along with more volunteer opportunities. It is important for people like me to gain a stronger knowledge base of green technologies, as we are most likely to be the first generation to benefit from it.
Events like the Solar Decathlon are a great start. In this sense, I thank all those who helped make this happen.
– Jishuai (Josh) Jia is a ninth-grader at University High School in Irvine.