Inhabitat.com has reported that one of the most significant highlights from the Solar Decathlon 2007 comes from reigning winner University of Colorado - and the design is proving once again that the team has what it takes to be solar design champions. Committed to defending their 2002 and 2005 titles, the 2007 winner Colorado Univeristy Solar Decathlon team has brought a versatile, modular design that integrates “shining” examples of solar power energy technology, recycled shipping containers, and a super cool aesthetic.

Putting a twist on the competition criteria, Colorado University has designed a 2,100-ft 2 house with a central 700-ft2 core of solar panel energy. The smaller version meets the Solar Decathlon guidelines and functions as a complete solar panel energy house on its own. However, the team decided to design “a full-size house to make its story more solar power energy relevant to homeowners as well as the building industry”, said Michael Brandemuehl, an associate professor in CU’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering.