The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon was held October 8-18, 2015, in Irvine, Calif. Regional Simpson Strong-Tie locations provided product and cash donations, along with engineering resources and technical assistance, to several collegiate teams competing in the Decathlon to design, build and operate cost-effective solar-powered houses.

The Simpson Strong-Tie Columbus, OH, facility sponsored the Stevens Institute of Technology team in New Jersey on the SU+RE (Sustainable + Resilient) HOUSE project, which took first place in the overall competition. Simpson Strong-Tie donated structural connectors and fasteners to help the house resist high winds, flooding and the corrosive coastal environment. The SU+RE HOUSE team used the Simpson Strong-Tie Flood-Resistant Construction Guide as a critical reference in the design and build of the house.

The Simpson Strong-Tie Stockton, Calif., facility supported both the UC Davis Aggie Sol and the CSU Sacramento Solar Nest projects with product donations, including a Strong-Wall SB shearwall. The company’s local Engineering department also helped design hinge connectors for the Solar Nest.

In Southern California, the company’s Riverside, Calif., location sponsored Cal Poly’s INhouse project along with Team Orange County, consisting of students from UC Irvine, Chapman University, Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College, on the Casa Del Sol project with product and monetary donations.

To learn more about the Solar Decathlon, visit www.solardecathlon.gov.