7 tiny solar-powered homes

By Cat DiStasio

Want to see the state of the art in solar-powered architecture? Then head to the Solar Decathlon in Southern California where the US Department of Energy challenges students from around the world to create the most efficient solar-powered house. These tiny, high-tech homes are designed to be affordable and attractive while utilizing solar energy for all the amenities of comfortable indoor living, including temperature control, hot water and household appliances. In all, each home is expected to produce at least as much energy as it consumes, which is also known as "net zero" energy status. Read on for a look at some of the most incredible houses from this year's competition.

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A home that transforms when hurricanes approach

Stevens Institute of Technology's SURE HOUSE was named as the overall Solar Decathlon winner and nobody is surprised. The solar-powered home was designed specifically to withstand hurricane-force winds and showers, inspired by the disasters that unfolded in New York and New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It's the perfect beachfront cottage, with a breezy open floor plan and a cool outdoor deck, but it has a secret defense against storms. The SURE HOUSE has integrated, fiber-composite shutters that provide a watertight seal when closed, keeping out torrential rains. Following the competition in California, it will be transported back to the East coast to serve as a community outreach and information center.