The new concept could play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, equally important, will help future owners to reduce and even eliminate the electricity bills, say designers of the houses.
In 2014, residential and commercial buildings accounted for 40% of energy consumption in the United States. The US Department of Energy has created a program that challenges teams of students to design and build solar-powered homes, cost effective houses, energy efficient and attractive.
The winner is the team that manages to create a home accessible in terms of price, with an attractive design, optimal energy production and reduced energy consumption.
First Solar Decathlon competition held in 2002, the contest is organized every two years.
Here's how the these homes look like:
