Prairie Solar Home: The Illinois Decathlon Story

Follow a team of students as they compete in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Illinois took second place overall in the 2009 competition and finished as the top U.S. team. 

Illinois was one of 20 universities worldwide in the competition to design, build and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house. Judging was on 10 criteria including lighting design, the hot-water system, home entertainment, engineering and market viability.

Tim Hartin and Alison Wood of the Big Ten Network at Illinois documented the team from the earliest days of construction to the final contest on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The production showcases the talent of students from engineering, architecture and industrial design.