The Solar Decathlon, an international competition for tertiary institutions, offers students a unique opportunity to implement architectural designs which would normally remain theoretical during their studies. Teams from various universities can realise their designs for energy-plus buildings, which in the annual balance produce more solar power than is necessary for operation, and see how they stand up to the demands of reality while competing against other ambitious projects.

Integral planning and implementation of an innovative construction project can thus already be practised during study. The Solar Decathlon introduces students, the next generation of engineers and architects, to the topic of energy-efficient construction. Another important objective is to raise awareness among a broad public with regard to responsible use of energy and to demonstrate that comfortable living and energy efficiency can coexist in harmony.

This competition in Washington D.C. (USA) has been taking place since as long ago as 2002. Every participating team constructs their building within a few days for the competition on the National Mall. This is where the assessment for the Solar Decathlon takes place. In 2007, first prize for the most attractive, functional and energy-efficient solar house went to the team from TU Darmstadt for the first time, causing the Solar Decathlon to become known in Germany. After the building was returned from the USA, enormous interest was shown. It was thus decided to first exhibit the house at various locations (at DEUBAU in Essen and in Stuttgart) before it was permanently installed on the TU Darmstadt campus.

The competition's short time frame of just a few days in late summer does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the year-round functionality of the house. For proof of this functionality, tests must be carried out over a longer period. As part of the Energy-Optimised Construction programme (EnOB) subsidised by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, the energy concept is being tested under German climate conditions and the building comprehensively monitored. During the monitoring, the building is being used as an office. Nevertheless, typical energy consumption relevant to a residential building, such as that caused by cooking, washing and drying, is being realised.

Inspired by the American competition, the first Solar Decathlon Europe will take place in Madrid in June 2010. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology is the patron of the four German entries from Berlin, Rosenheim, Stuttgart and Wuppertal. In the future, the European competition shall alternate with the USA's Solar Decathlon.