Skip to main content

Past Events

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Build Challenge dates back to the inaugural event in 2002. Since then, the Build Challenge has been held biennially in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2020. The Design Challenge first began as a DOE student design competition in 2014. It was held annually until 2018, when it became a Solar Decathlon annual event called the Design Challenge.

Learn about past competitions, find out how past competition houses are being used today, or plan a visit to a Solar Decathlon house near you.

Photo of two Solar Decathlon participants holding their model designs.

Past Design Challenges

Find previously held Design Challenges.

Photo of Solar Decathlon participants speaking with each other at a crowded event.

Past Build Challenges

Find previously held Build Challenges.

Celeste Leidich, a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, shows Richard King, former director of the Solar Decathlon, a model of the solar house designed by CU students for the 2002 competition.

Solar Decathlon 20th Anniversary

Explore 20 years of the Solar Decathlon.

Where Are the Solar Decathlon Houses Now?

Where Are the Solar Decathlon Houses Now?

Where Are the Solar Decathlon Houses Now?

Solar Decathlon House Tours