Have you ever dreamed about building an efficient, environmentally sustainable and beautiful solar-powered house? For a group of more than 100 students and faculty leaders from The Catholic University of America, The George Washington University and American University, that dream will become a reality over the next ten months. Team Capitol DC, comprising students from these three universities, will be competing against 19 other teams in the 2013 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon in Irvine, CA.

We are excited that Standard Solar will act as a technical advisor to the team throughout the design and construction phases of the project, with Solar Decathlon alumni and current Director of Engineering C.J. Colavito working closely with the students. Over the next year, the team will work together to design and build their solar-powered house, dubbed “Harvest Home,” which will be then transported and assembled in California for the competition, to be held October 3-13. Each solar-powered home will be evaluated by based upon the best blend of affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

Keep up with the developments of Harvest Home at www.TeamCapitolDC.org.

Earlier today, we joined the Rock Hall Town Council, community stakeholders and partner officials, to dedicate the county’s newest aggregate, net-metered solar array on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Rock Hall solar array was installed by Standard Solar, Inc., and will be owned and operated by Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc.

“The Town of Rock Hall has embarked on a long-term renewable energy agreement that will produce significant financial savings, positively affecting the town’s fiscal budget, while exemplifying our stewardship towards a better environment,” said Rock Hall Mayor Robert Willis. “We look forward to a rewarding partnership with Washington Gas Energy Systems and Standard Solar for many years to come.”

The Rock Hall solar system is Kent County’s second solar project to make use of Maryland’s new aggregate, net-metering law that allows one solar system to serve facilities at various locations and the third large project Standard Solar has installed in the County.

Our 2012 “Coolest Site for an Array” award definitely goes to Sandy Spring Friends School (SFSS) – if you don’t remember why, see this. On Wednesday, we joined more than 500 students, faculty and friends of the school to celebrate the completion of the 477 kW solar array. Our VIP guests included Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, as well as representatives from the Maryland Energy Administration and the office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. It was a beautiful day as we gathered to recognize the outstanding commitment made by the school to renewable energy and environmental leadership.

Students gather near the array

The solar array is situated next to the SSFS Adventure Park, and will provide clean, renewable energy to the SSFS campus. The estimated carbon offset of a system this size is 504 metric tons, which is equivalent to removing almost 99 passenger vehicles per year from the road, or a reduction of 1,173 barrels of oil consumed.

CEO Tony Clifford addresses the assembled crowd. SSFS student, SSFS Head of School, Tom Gibian, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, UGI Performance Solution’s Chuck Miller, General Manager and SSFS Director of Operations Laura Miyoshi watch on

The ribbon is cut – it's official!

The Sandy Spring Friends School has made a remarkable commitment to environmental stewardship as guided by Quaker values. In addition to the solar array, there is also a large school garden to supply fresh,organically grown produce to the food services. Each will contribute educational aspects to the curriculum, helping grow the students’ knowledge and appreciation for their environment, health and future.

The celebratory balloon launch with aerial support! The helicopter carried an SFSS teacher to capture the event from above.