Solar Decathlon is an international collegiate competition in which teams compete to design, build, and operate highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered houses. Sponsored by the US Department of Energy, the competition is held on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Twenty teams competed this year, demonstrating innovative approaches to nearly all aspects of home design and construction.  Winners were announced October 16. A virtual tour of the first place winner appears below, with tours of the second and third place entries after the jump.

First Place Overall: Team Germany


Second Place: University of Illinois at Urbana Champlain

Third Place: Team California