DC empowerhouse: zero energy consumption, chance to own a home

Empowerhouse, two adjoining “site net zero” homes designed by college students for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon, and built in a Northeast neighborhood, will soon have their first occupants. The homes produce as much energy as they consume–leading the way for sustainable building practices. But the team who designed and built the home wanted it to stand for more than just energy efficiency, and to continue to be empowering after the Solar Decathlon competition. That is why two families from public housing will move into, and purchase the homes. At $220,000, the Empowerhouse is also a shining example of affordable building and has little to no energy costs.