University of Maryland's Solar Decathlon Team is a 30-member cross-divisional team of undergraduate students that designed and built an 800 square-foot solar-powered house as part of a national collegiate competition sponsored by the Department of Energy. The UM team was one of fourteen finalists selected to display their houses in a week-long event on the national Mall in Washington, D.C., which was held September 27 through October 6, 2002.

The Maryland team finished fourth behind first place winner, University of Colorado at Boulder, second place winner University of Virginia and third place holder, Auburn University. Although high marks went to the more futuristic and innovative house designs, the Maryland team's house did rank first for heating and energy balance, and received high marks in the assessment of the home's heating and cooling systems. The team paid particular attention to designing a home that would fit it to an average neighborhood.

The university's team was made up of undergraduate students who did it all--everything from designing and building the house, to fundraising to cover the costs of the project, to transporting the house to the National Mall.

If you missed seeing the house on the Mall, take a virtual tour.