Are These the 5 Best Solar Decathlon Houses of 2015?

Each year the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) invites college teams from across the country to participate in the 2015 Solar Decathlon in Irvine, California.

Teams compete to design and build solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Winners are chosen based on the combination of consumer appeal, design excellence, optimal energy production, maximum efficiency, and for the first time, affordability. Indeed, in order to win, no house in the competition may cost more than $250,000.

The competition houses will be open for visitors free of charge for two weekends next month, in October.

Until then, here are some of the best contenders:

Stevens Institute of Technology: The Sure House

The Sure House focuses on storm resilient coastal housing. It was designed to use 90% less energy, rely completely on solar power, and to have a resilient energy hub.

The house was built in response to Hurricane Sandy, and is designed for New York and New Jersey coastal towns. It features a highly efficient envelope, storm shutters, integrated solar panels, resilient hot water and power system, and durable fibre-composite siding. The house is built with flexible living spaces to offer space and privacy in a relatively compact home.

University of California, Davis: Aggie Sol

The Aggie Sol House is designed specifically for agricultural farm workers living on the West Coast. The goal is an affordable solar powered net zero house that can be used as a replacement for the inefficient and grid reliant houses that currently dominate.

The team chose to build with locally sourced materials, with Northern and Southern factory-built halves that can easily be reconnected on site. The target audience of agricultural workers aims to help many who live in deplorable conditions and lack the resources to better their situation. Thus, their design is geared toward sustainability as well as giving back to their local community.

California State University, Sacramento: Reflect Home

In the Reflect Home's design, the Sacramento State team wanted to reflect the values of the people of Sacramento, specifically young families. They focused on designing a house that would have a net-zero envelope, but appeal to the everyday consumer. They focused on affordability, aesthetics and livability.

The concept of indoor and outdoor blurs in this design, with continuous wall and ceiling materials and a large outdoor living space. The indoor space has an emphasis on transformable privacy, with sliding doors that create multifunctional spaces. The house also features natural ventilation and passive daylighting.

Crowder College and Drury University, ShelteR3

ShelteR3’s design is based on it’s three Rs: Respond, Recover, Resist. With the specific goal of countering tornadoes, the house is built to withstand extreme wind loads, resist the impact of debris, and prevent opening from forming that would typically lead to the intrusion of wind pressure.

A flat roof design allows for horizontal blowing debris to blow over without significant damage. The roof is also anchored to the foundation with threaded steel rods. The house can be transported in two modules, providing quick response to disaster areas, and is completely off grid. There is also the opportunity for expansion once storm recovery has occurred, through sliding modules and the addition of a living room.

University of Buffalo, GRoW

GRoW is designed to be an interactive experience for the homeowner, as it provides the space to harvest crops throughout the year. The home aims to engage homeowners in an environmentally friendly lifestyle through three key ideas: Consider, Conserve, Contribute.

The design employs energy efficient appliances that run on renewable energies, and is designed to work with the harsh winters and mild summers of upstate New York. The team wanted to stress the theme of nature, using as many natural materials as possible, and also choosing the color palette to reflect the outdoors.