The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 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.

Photo of an air strip with mountains in the background.

Mark your calendar for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013:

Oct. 3–13, 2013
Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California



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Photo of a group of decathletes in the Solar Decathlon 2011 solar village.

Congratulations to the U.S. Department of Energy
Solar Decathlon 2013 teams!

Find out who'll compete in the next Solar Decathlon.



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Photo of the New Zealand team jumping simultaneously in midair.

Did you miss the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011?

See daily photos, galleries of the team houses, and time-lapse images of the solar village in our photo collection.

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Photo of a man speaking into a microphone in front of the New Zealand house. The New Zealand team stands on a deck in the background.

Learn more about the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 houses and teams.

See our video collection for event highlights, team interviews, and a look inside the houses.

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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.

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