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The U.S. Department of Energy will not hold a BuildingsNEXT competition for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Future programming updates will be posted at www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-technologies-office as they become available.

Past Build Challenges

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, 2020 and 2023, when it was called, simply, the Solar Decathlon. Learn about past competitions via the links below, find out how past competition houses are being used today, or plan a visit to a Solar Decathlon house near you.

  2023 Build Challenge 
  2020 Build Challenge 
  2017 Build Challenge 
  2015 Build Challenge 
  2013 Build Challenge 
  2011 Build Challenge 
  2009 Build Challenge 
  2007 Build Challenge 
  2005 Build Challenge
  2002 Build Challenge
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