The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Energy helped fund the Missouri University of Science and Technology Solar House Design Team’s building costs for the 2015 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Prior to the competition, which was held Oct. 8-18 in Irvine, California, the Missouri DED division gave $4,000 to help offset construction costs. The team’s house, named the Nest Home, was one of 14 entries in the 2015 competition.

The team earned fifth place, its highest-ever finish at the competition. This year was the sixth time the Missouri S&T team had competed in the Solar Decathlon – more than any other university.

At the competition, the house was judged by a panel of experts in 10 different categories during the competition. The categories ranged from simple comforts like hot water and working appliances to architecture and marketability. Each category was worth 100 points, with a total of 1,000 points available. The team with the highest cumulative score won the competition. Missouri S&T’s team earned a total of 878.7 points.

Named after the practice of birds that build nests using natural materials, the Nest Home makes use of reclaimed materials. The living area is formed using three repurposed shipping containers and its siding is made from shipping pallet lumber. It is designed for a growing family and features two bedrooms, a home automation system and a charging station for an electric car, all powered by 24 solar panels.

The home has been transported back to Rolla and is currently scheduled to be reconstructed as part of a neighborhood of solar homes on the Missouri S&T campus.

To learn more about Missouri S&T’s Nest Home, visit solarhouse.mst.edu.