Students from the University of Oregon and Miami University take this year's Solar Decathalon grand prize

Initiated in 2002, the Solar Decathlon invites students across the U.S. and internationally to participate in a design competition focusing on energy efficiency. For the first time, the design challenge jury has selected two Grand Winners from the residential and commercial building divisions.   Out of 45 student-led teams representing 31 collegiate institutions, this year's grand winners hail from the University of Oregon and Miami University. Winners were chosen for their ability to create designs that exude "excellence in innovation, market potential, building efficiency, and smart energy production."   According to the Solar Decathlon organization, the competition aims to "leverages opportunities to showcase student innovation and STEM education, and it fosters workforce development opportunities." A virtual event took place to congratulate and celebrate winning teams.  View this year's winning projects below and their project descriptions. Grand Winner: University of Oregon - Commercial DivisionProject: Little Dipper Elementary Read the full post on Bustler