The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. 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 Solar Decathlon is held biennially.
The winners of the 3 most recent competitions are:
2019 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
2017 - The Swiss Team combined from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, School of Engineering and Architecture Fribourg, Geneva University of Art and Design, and the University of Fribourg
2015 - Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey
One of the houses that made a lasting impression on your OWOE editor was 2015's 3rd place team - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. It was a very attractive, very livable home designed for the Southern California climate, and is highlighted at Solar Cal Poly.