After a strong and highly publicized fourth place finish this fall at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, Middlebury is hoping for a second go.

Back in August, when the DOE opened its request for proposals for the 2013 competition, the Self-Reliance blog noted that, “Anyone on the Middlebury College team can honestly tell you that participating in the Solar Decathlon has been one of the most challenging, rewarding and memorable aspects of their college career. If you’re up for the undertaking, we promise it’s well worth the effort!”

The students and administration agreed, as did Vermont’s U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, who announced via Twitter on Nov. 4 that Vermont’s Congressional Delegation would support Middlebury’s 2013 proposal.

Middmag wishes the latest team to step up to this incredible undertaking the best of luck, and will keep tabs on their progress right here. Stay tuned!