Crowds flocked to the National Mall in D.C. for two weeks in October to see how a few bright minds could build new homes completely powered by the sun. Solar Decathlon teams from 20 universities showcased their creative homes in a competition to build the most energy-efficient solar-powered house. Students built the houses over a two-year period. Victory went to a group of students from Germany, but regional schools with impressive structures included Virginia Tech, University of Kentucky, and Penn State.
Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing, the Appalachian Trail, biking, travel, and more in the Blue Ridge and beyond.