Via @jetsongreen, 20 solar-powered houses, designed, built and operated by 20 college teams from around the world, battle it out in the biennial U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition.




Self-Reliance, Middlebury College

The winner, decided by the point total of 10 separate contests, "best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency."



Ohio State University, enCORE

Sep. 23-Oct. 2 in West Potomac Park, Washington, DC. More at 20 Solar Decathlon Designs for 2011. Photos: U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon.