The Department of Energy is considering offers for a new site for its 2013 Solar Decathlon competition.For the first time, the DOE is inviting venues across the nation to compete for the opportunity to host the gathering, which has been held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., since 2002. The event, held every two years, challenges collegiate students from across the globe to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in.

The 2011 event will take place Sept. 23 through Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C.’s West Potomac Park, a new location from past years due to upcoming Mall restoration plans. For a sneak peek at one of this year’s entrants, an affordable Passive House project from the Parsons New School for Design, click here.