University of Colorado team again shines in solar home building competition

The University of Colorado is once again the winner of the Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the Department of Energy.

University of Colorado’s energy-efficient, solar-powered house won first place.

Eighteen college teams built solar-energy houses that were displayed until Sunday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The competition was to see which house had the best design and energy efficiency.

The Colorado team, which won the 2002 inaugural event, used materials such as corn, wheat and soy in the walls. The house has two types of solar panels and a removable roof.

Runners-up were Cornell University and California Polytechnic State University.

The Energy Department, which touts the educational mission of the competition, provides seed money, but much of the cost is covered by student fundraising.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2005-10-17-colorado-solar-home_x.htm