Solar Decathlon

Stevens Institute of Technology won top honors at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on October 17, 2015 overall by designing, building, and operating the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive solar powered house. University at Buffalo, The State University of New York took second place followed by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in third place.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

An electric car sits parked at Clemson University during public exhibit hours of U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon at Orange County Great Par in Irvine, California on October 15, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Students tour the State University of New York at Alfred College of Technology and Alfred University house on October 15, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen perform a team cheer in front of their Solar Decathlon house at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California on October 15, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Murals outside Missouri University of Science and Technology greet students as they tour the house at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on October 15, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Solar panels on the rooftop of Western New England University, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, and Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana's house at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Crowder College and Drury University's solar-powered house at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Solar panels on the roof of University at Buffalo, State University of New York's house at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Solar panels on the roof of State University of New York at Alfred College of Technology and Alfred University's house at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York at dusk at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 at the Orange County Great Park, Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Missouri University of Science and Technology at dusk at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 at the Orange County Great Park, Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Stevens Institute of Technology at dusk at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 at the Orange County Great Park, Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)

STILE house, the West Virginia University and University of Roma Tor Vergata entry at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, leads the Energy.gov Fan Favorite voting as the first weekend comes to a close.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 project from Team NY Alfred, made up of the State University of New York at Alfred College of Technology and Alfred University, is a solar-powered dwelling for a family of four, developed with input from local farmers and other residents.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Sacramento State's Reflect Home at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)'s INhouse entry in U.S Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, has a deck shaded by bi-facial solar panels that capture additional energy reflected off of the deck's surface.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

The University at Buffalo's GRoW Home includes the GRoWlarium, a built-in 338-square-foot greenhouse where inhabitants can grow crops year-round.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

NexusHaus UT TUM Solar Decathlon, the entry from the The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

A first-time entrant at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, Western New England University, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, and Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana team is seeking a blend in its Efficient, Affordable, Solar, Innovation -- or EASI -- House.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

ShelteR3, Crowder College and Drury University's joint entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Crowds line up outside Casa del Sol, Team Orange County's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Cost is a key factor in UC Davis' Aggie Sol house, which was designed with agricultural workers in mind.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

The New York City College of Technology team got off to a delayed start at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, but team members worked around the clock to get their solar-powered house ready for prime time.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Clemson University's Indigo Pine house at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

The Missouri University of Science and Technology returns for its sixth Solar Decathlon with its team’s 2015 entry, the Nest Home, designed to serve a family “from a full nest to an empty nest.”

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Crowder College and Drury University team’s ShelteR3 house at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

The Clemson University's Indigo Pine house at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon in Irvine, California on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen's NexusHaus at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

California State University, Sacramento's Reflect Home at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon in Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Western New England University, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, and Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana's Efficient, Affordable, Solar, Innovation--or EASI--House at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team members work on STILE House, a creation of the University of West Virginia and University of Roma Tor Vergata, ahead of the official start of U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon in Irvine California on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team members from the University of West Virginia and the University of Roma Tor Vergata work on their STILE House on the final day of construction at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 in Irvine, California on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

One of the teams that finished construction ahead of schedule, the Stevens Institute of Technology is ready to take on the competition at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Alf House, a joint project from the State University of New York at Alfred College of Technology and Alfred University (aka Team NY Alfred), is running behind schedule, but team members are working hard to wrap up construction before the opening day of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team Orange County, a collaboration between several schools in and around Irvine, CA, is pushing hard to get its Casa del Sol finished in time to represent its home turf at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team Texas/Germany member Alexandra Krippner (middle right) leads an inspection tour of NexusHaus with U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 organizer Carol Laurie (middle left).

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Students from the University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen in Germany drew on shared interests to create NexusHaus, an ultra-efficient, water-conscious solar house, for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

EASI House, a joint entry from schools in New England and Central America, arrived late but hopes to make it in time for the start of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Aggie Sol, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 entry from UC Davis, aims to provide affordable solar-powered housing for agricultural workers.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team Clemson created a whole new process for manufacturing its U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 house, Indigo Pine, so it could be assembled piece-by-piece like a jigsaw puzzle. |

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Crowder College and Drury University teamed up to create Shelter3, a storm-resistant house inspired by the tornado that severely damaged nearby Joplin, Missouri, in 2011.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

The Stevens Institute of Technology's SURE HOUSE brings the Jersey Shore to Solar Decathlon 2015, with a low-key style that masks storm-resistant construction inspired by superstorm Sandy.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Nest Home, from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, combines three shipping containers in a clever design that's sure to catch the eye at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team members from the University at Buffalo-SUNY scramble to replace a broken window in their GRoW Home on the final day of construction at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Team Cal Poly was another fast starter at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, and its INhouse is looking sharp with one day left until the competition begins.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Construction on New York City College of Technology's Solar Decathlon house called DURA (Diverse, Urban, Resilient, and Adaptable) nears completion at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Sunlight beams down on Stevens Institute of Technology's SURE HOUSE as Solar Decathlon teams finish assembly at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Matt Dozier, U.S. Department of Energy

Bilowy clouds provide a backdrop for West Virginia University and University of Roma Tor Vergata as they continue construction on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California on Monday, October 5, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Christine Hecker (left) and Allison Outwater of Stevens Institute of Technology pot a plant as house construction nears completion on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Olivia Freese of Crowder College and Drury University drills bolts to complete the entrance ramp on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Poon Chaianong (left) and Alexandra Krippner of The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen shovel gravel given to them by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Date taken: 2015-10-06 20:27

Rachel Aptekar of the New York City College of Technology arranges flowers and plants on the deck on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Poon Chaianong (left) and Alexandra Krippner of The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen haul gravel given to them by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Kemoy Henry (left) and Farhana Rahman of the New York City College of Technology prepare to install the last solar panel on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Team members of Crowder College and Drury University install hurricane-resistant shield doors to withstand 200-mph winds on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Barbara Chou of the University of California, Irvine; Chapman University; Irvine Valley College; and Saddleback College puts a finishing coat of paint on the outdoor shower on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Marta Ines Cot of The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen installs a toilet on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Date taken: 2015-10-04 23:46

Preethi Sreedhara (left) and Jessica Jansen of The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen put the finishing touches on their aquaponics garden that integrates fish and plants on Day 8 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Nate St. John of University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, works on a "crawler" as the team's deck moves closer to completion on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Christine Hecker of Stevens Institute of Technology installs and cleans cabinets as the kitchen takes shape on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

State University of New York at Alfred College of Technology and Alfred University team members Adam Hoy (left), Tony Paterniti (center), and Jeff Pasnik drywall their house great room on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Brothers Eric Upshaw (left) and Charlie Upshaw of The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen fill their 1,000-gallon water tank on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

West Virginia University and University of Roma Tor Vergata get their 1,000-gallon water tank filed on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Travis Harvey (left) and Patrick Kay of State University of New York at Alfred College of Technology and Alfred University use a nail gun on the patio deck cover on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Members of the Western New England University, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, and Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana team work on their deck on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on Sunday, October 4, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Thomas Johnston of California State University, Sacramento, installs patio lights on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Charlie Upshaw of The University of Texas at Austin and Technische Universitaet Muenchen fills the team's 1,000-gallon water tank on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Date taken: 2015-10-03 20:38

Stormy clouds provide an ominous backdrop as Western New England University, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, and Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana team members work on their deck on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

West Virginia University and University of Roma Tor Vergata get their 1,000-gallon water tank filed on Day 7 of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon