The U.S. Department of Energy is going to hold the Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California. The program awards solar-power houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, will continue its sponsorship to the Solar Decathlon 2015 following the previous eight years.

The Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate innovative solar-powered houses. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. The next Solar Decathlon will take place at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA. Open to the public free of charge from October 8-18, 2015, the competition houses will be open to visitors on eight days over two weekends. The Solar Decathlon enables visitors to tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today.

"The Solar Decathlon depends on the valuable support of our many sponsors," said Richard King, director of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. "The sponsorship provided by Schneider Electric helps ensure that the Solar Decathlon provides a rich learning experience for the student decathletes and educates the public about the money-saving opportunities and environmental benefits presented by clean-energy products and design solutions."

Schneider Electric is supporting the program through the design of the Solar Village microgrid, staffing the event with employee volunteers, the donation of an EV charging station to a university team and providing design, on-site services, support and consulting throughout the competition. Schneider Electric is also spearheading the Energy Balance Contest using its Power Monitoring Expert technologies.