The Solar Decathlon competition was created in 2001, by the United States Department of Energy. The event's main purpose is about creating the most energy-efficient, sustainable and comfortable solar house. Different universities compete against each other, with solar houses they design and build. During the competition each house is tested in ten different categories. The first international edit
ion of the Solar Decathlon was held in 2002 on the National Mall in Washington D.C. A large number of visitors came to see the solar houses, participate in educational workshops and discover the potential of renewable energies. It continued in 2005, 2007, 2009, its popularity constantly raising. In 2010, the city of Madrid organized the first edition of Solar Decathlon Europe (SDE). This first experience was a success and called for more. The city of Madrid won the organization of SDE 2012. France was chosen for the next European event in 2014. Furthermore, US Department of Energy announced recently a new partnership with China, who will have its own event in 2013. SDE 2012 is organized by the Secretary of State for Housing and Urban Development at the Spanish Ministry of Public Works in collaboration with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the support of the US Department of Energy. In addition, SDE counts with the collaboration of the Madrid City Council and Spanish Energy Saving Energy Agency IDAE, and the sponsorship of Saint-Gobain (main sponsor), Schneider Electric, Rockwool, Kömmerling and FCC.
