The Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 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 Solar Decathlon provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter the clean energy workforce. SURE HOUSE supports the educational enrichment of students in the areas of sustainability, innovation and green technology

The Solar Decathlon 2015 will take place at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, where the homes are judged and scored on the following categories:

Architecture
Engineering
Affordability
Market Appeal
Communications
Appliances
Commuting
Comfort Zone
Home Life
Energy Balance
U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Map of the United States showing road from Hoboken, NJ to Irvine, CA
WE DID IT!

With thousands of on-site visitors, millions of media viewers, over two billion media impressions, and 200+ members of the media in attendance, the Solar Decathlon offers an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate innovative building practices and energy-efficient living to the broadest consumer audience.

Aside from the sheer glory of first place, the winning team’s design will also get more media coverage and be seen by more people than any other entry, giving our ideas a vastly broader audience and an immeasurably greater impact - during the decathlon and beyond. We know we can do this, but we need your help to get there.

Measured Categories + Schedule

Appliances
(100 PTS)

Point breakdown for Appliances Solar Decathlon contest schedule for Appliances

Commuting
(100 PTS)

Point breakdown for Commuting Solar Decathlon contest schedule for Commuting

Comfort Zone
(100 PTS)

Point breakdown for Comfort Zone Solar Decathlon contest schedule for Comfort Zone

Home Life
(100 PTS)

Point breakdown for Home Life Solar Decathlon contest schedule for Home Life

Energy Balance
(100 PTS)

Point breakdown for Energy Balance Solar Decathlon contest schedule for Energy Balance

A Record of Success

Empowerhouse receives 13th place in 2011

2011: Empowerhouse

Partnering with The New School, Stevens created Empowerhouse, a low-cost home which uses 90% less energy than a typical building. This Habitat for Humanity home has been occupied since 2012, successfully delivering superior comfort and low energy costs.

Ecohabit receives 4th place in 2013

2013: Ecohabit

One of the top contenders in the competition, our 2013 entry, Ecohabit, placed 4th overall and 2nd in the Architecture competition. Today being employed as a veteran’s center on the campus of Cal State San Marcos, the building continues to inspire its occupants through both its architecture and innovative technology.

Surehouse : our 2015 entry.

2015: Surehouse

Stevens Institute’s third consecutive entry into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon aims to redefine the future of coastal housing. And this time we’re going for broke.

Find out more about the SURE HOUSE →

Less Energy Use + More Storm Protection

The challenge for the SURE House team is, “Can we design a home for coastal New Jersey that dramatically reduces its energy use while protecting itself from the realities of a changing, more extreme climate?”