The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002; the competition has since occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, and 2009. The next event will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 2011. Open to the public free of charge, visitors can tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today.

The Decathlon consists of ten contests,
which are both juried and metered.

The ten contests are:

Architecture (juried)
Market Appeal (juried)
Engineering (juried)
Communications (juried)
Affordability (juried)
Comfort Zone (measured)
Hot Water (measured)
Appliances (measured)
Home Entertainment (measured and juried)
Energy Balance (measured)