Innovative Ways to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Highlights from the 2017 Solar Decathlon in Denver.

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2017 Solar Decathlon
At this year’s Solar Decathlon, 11 teams of students from the United States and Europe competed to build the most efficient and best-designed solar-powered homes. They built their homes in their own communities, then took them apart, shipped them to Denver, and reassembled them on the site of the competition, run by the Department of Energy. Here are just a few of the innovative touches that make these homes unique.
Upfall Shower
By filtering, cleaning, and recycling the water you use during, the Dutch Upfall Shower uses just a fraction of the water you waste with a standard shower. The Netherlands team, from HU University of Applied Science Utrecht, paired this system with a toilet with a built-in bidet and blow dryer, eliminating the need for toilet paper.
Exposed Wires
Moveable Walls
Smart Bathroom
Solar Oven
Convertible Sunroom
Mirrored TV
Tornado-Proof Walls
Shared Shower
Moss Wall
Dry Composting Toilet
Garage Door Solar Panels
Solar Dryer
Convertible Furniture

Photo By: Josh Bauer/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon