Kiwi solar bach premieres at US Solar Decathlon

WASHINGTON, DC – A Kiwi bach powered by the sun is one of only 20 entries worldwide – and the first entry ever from the Southern hemisphere – to be selected for one of the most popular and highly anticipated design competitions. 

The prestigious United States Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 gives New Zealand an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its best on a world stage. 

The team of almost 40 students from Victoria University is led by students from the School of Architecture and supported by staff and industry partners. 

Dubbed First Light, the energy efficient and sustainable house, which will be on display on the National Mall in Washington DC for three weeks, uses innovative technologies and materials and will be filled with NZ products and appliances. 

The house will be built in NZ first and displayed for public viewing in Frank Kitts Park in Wellington during April and May next year. Planning is underway and construction will begin in Wellington early in 2011. 

The project brings together NZ capability in a wide range of fields including solar, renewable and energy efficient technologies, design, engineering, novel materials, sustainable raw materials and ICT.  To find out more  please visit www.firstlighthouse.ac.nz.