About Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a competition in which 20 collegiate teams from around the world design and build 100% solar-powered houses.

Middlebury College had the privilege and honor of participating in Solar Decathlon 2011 and 2013. In 2011, Team Middlebury brought Self-Reliance, a comfortable, functional family home inspired by the timeless New England farmhouse, to Washington, DC. The team won three of the ten contests (Communications, Market Appeal, and Home Entertainment) and placed fourth overall.

Two years later, Team Middlebury found itself in Irvine, California. This group of students created InSite, a home for local living that emphasizes five points of design: live in a walkable community; prioritize social space; centralize energy systems; engage the street; and use local materials. This team placed eighth overall in the competition.

After each competition, Self-Reliance and InSite returned to the Middlebury campus, where they serve as educational centers and student housing. We invite you to explore this site to learn more about both projects and, if you are a current Middlebury College student, to apply to live in either house. If you are a community member or school group interested in touring Self-Reliance or InSite, please email solar[at]middlebury[dot]edu.

Leave a Reply