DC Metrocentric

After a very rainy final day of competition the final results were handed down this weekend in the big Solar Decathlon competition sponsored by the Department of Energy. Taking first place was Team Germany, whose design (pictured) not only looked incredible but apparently was a very energy efficient and sustainable design as well.

Rounding out the top five were Illinois, Team California, Team Ontario, and Minnesota in fifth place. Apparently the thing that put Team Germany over the top into first place was their super high score in Net Metering, which basically was a measure of how much energy the house produced over the course of the competition. Team Germany’s high score shouldn’t be surprising given that every external vertical and horizontal surface was covered in solar cells.

More details of the scoring breakdown and how the rest of the competitors placed can be found on the competition site. Over all it was a very successful event, and we are just sad we have to wait another two years for it to come around again, but we know that teams are already starting to make plans. [Photo: DCMetrocentric]

Photos of some of the best teams solar houses >>