Photos: Solar Decathlon heats up in D.C.

Cornell University, which came in second place in the Solar Decathlon two years ago, used a metal truss structure for its house.

The design can hold the energy components of the home--the solar-electric panels and hot-water collectors--and can hold plants for shading. The structure is aimed at being flexible.

Photo by Martin LaMonica/CNET News.com

Caption by Martin LaMonica