Can zero-net energy construction be affordable for farmworker housing? The UC Davis students of Team Aggie Sol proved it with their entry for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon, winning first place in the category of affordability. Their 1,000-square foot home included innovations such as a roof that collects rainwater that is circulated for heating and cooling the home.

The competition ran for two years and involved more than 300 UC Davis students with a core team of 40. Finals were held at UC Irvine in October. The team plans to reassemble the home at a campus location.