7 Amazing Sun-Powered Homes in the 2011 Solar Decathlon!

We're not psychic, but we know good design when we see it - and this year's Solar Decathlon houses have it in spades. From super efficient <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-power">solar energy systems</a>, to high-tech whole-house monitoring, rainwater collection, vegetable gardens and beautiful architecture, we're amazed the innovation at work in this year's entries. Although we're excited to see all 20 of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sneak-peek-20-stunning-energy-efficient-homes-in-the-2011-solar-decathlon/">Solar Decathlon houses</a> starting today in DC, we've got our eyes on several shining contenders - read on for a first look at our top 7 teams to watch this next week as the competition unfolds!

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/team-canadas-solar-decathlon-trtl-solar-shell-home-is-perfect-for-native-canadians/">TRTL</a>, which stands for "Technological Residence, Traditional Living", is a teepee inspired home designed by <a href="http://solardecathlon.ca" target="_blank">Team Canada</a> specifically for the Native Peoples of southern Alberta. An impressive arched solar roof is paired with modular design and construction and a house layout designed for large family gatherings. <h3><strong>Why we like it:</strong></h3> The TRTL house is more than just energy efficient design, it could provide quality housing solutions for people on reservations.

<a href="http://solardecathlon.fiu.edu/">Florida International University's</a> perFORM[D]ance home is a classic beach bungalow that features passive solar design, natural ventilation and hurricane resistant design. Retractable glazing and operable louvers provide low-tech solutions with a high impact design. <h3><strong>Why we like it:</strong></h3> The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/florida-international-universitys-solar-decathlon-entry-is-a-beautiful-beach-bungalow/">perFORM[D]ance house</a> is symmetrical pleasing with a modernistic style we think could become really popular, plus they get extra points for a disaster resistant design.

<a href="http://ccnysolardecathlon.com/" target="_blank">City College New York</a> blew us away with their design for a solar powered house specifically for rooftops. The house makes use of lightweight and environmentally friendly materials and even includes space for an outdoor garden. <h3><strong>Why we like it:</strong></h3> Representing the urban market, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/sneak-peek-city-college-students-unveil-roof-pod-for-solar-decathlon/">Solar Roofpod House</a> is certain to make waves in the urban market, which has been largely under represented in this competition until now.

Inspired by the traditional Kiwi bach, the FirstLight House is the first entry into the competition from the southern hemisphere. A dynamic design is coupled with local materials from New Zealand (including eco wool insulation!) and the use of lots of natural daylight. <h3><strong>Why we like it:</strong></h3> Team New Zealand's home is sure to be a real crowd pleaser and we'll be happy to get a first hand taste of Kiwi design and materials. We just hope they remembered to design it for the Northern Hemisphere!

The bright minds at the University of Maryland created the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/watershed-300-students-design-house-that-runs-on-wind-rain-solar-and-waste/">WaterShed</a>, an impressive one bedroom home that goes beyond net zero energy. Inspired by the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/chesapeake-bay-foundation-headquarters-greenest-building-ever/">Chesapeake Bay</a> ecosystem, water is at the heart of the home, but it also relies on the sun, wind and other interconnected systems for energy efficiency in hopes of giving back to the surrounding ecosystem. The walls even feature edible plants! <strong>Why we like it:</strong> The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/watershed-300-students-design-house-that-runs-on-wind-rain-solar-and-waste/">WaterShed</a> fully integrates solar energy and efficient wate management to create a home that is just as green as it is gorgeous.

With a dynamic duo like SCI_arc and Caltech working together, we're certain to see something astounding. Their <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sciarc-caltech-solar-decathlon-team-forging-on-despite-unknown-competition-location/">CH:IP house</a> (Compact House:Increasing Possibility) is enveloped in a heavily insulated quilt which takes inspiration from an astronaut's suit. <h3><strong>Why we like it:</strong></h3> High tech and heavily engineered, the CH:IP house is at the cross section of space travel and sustainable building.

Our guess for the humanitarian award though goes to the Empowerhouse by Parson The New School for Design, the Milano School and Stevens Institute of Technology. The prefab home features great contemporary design and all the best strategies for energy efficiency, plus it will be merged with another house in DC's Deanwood neighborhood to serve as housing for two lucky families. <h3><strong>Why we like it:</strong></h3> Going above and beyond, the Empowerhouse is more than just a student project and will provide a low maintenance and low energy home for two families.