Student-built solar home returns to UofI

URBANA, Ill. — A solar-powered home constructed six years ago by University of Illinois students is returning to campus.

The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports the building has been a community education center in Chicago for the past five years. It was built by students as part of a 2007 Solar Decathlon competition.

The building is being installed by the school's Energy Biosciences Institute Research Farm in what could ultimately become a small neighborhood of environmentally friendly homes. Two other solar homes were built by students in 2009 and 2011. The most recent is already on display in the area, while a 2009 farmhouse is in Champaign.

The so-called Element House will need some work, but officials hope to have a “grand reopening” next spring.

Moving and remodeling the home will cost about $60,000.