Philipp Klebert celebrates after learning his Team Austria placed first in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013. (Image: AP Photo/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, Stefano Paltera)

After two weeks of tough competition, Team Austria has claimed top overall honors at the U.S. Department of Energy 2013 Solar Decathlon in Irvine, Calif.

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The Solar Decathlon challenged collegiate teams from around the world to create cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive solar-powered homes. Just like the Olympic decathlon, teams competed in 10 contests where the homes were judged on merits like architecture, affordability and curb appeal.

“The Solar Decathlon is inspiring and training the next generation of clean energy architects, engineers and entrepreneurs, and showing that affordable, clean energy technologies can help homeowners save money and energy today,” U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a news release.

Team Austria's home, which they called (LISI), was powered by a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. The solar roof would create enough energy over time to power the home as well as electric cars and bikes.

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The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002, and this year's competition was the closest yet. Team Austria's LISI home scored 951.9 points out of a possible 1,000, barely edging out the team from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, which scored 947.6 overall points. Austria's scores in the Communications Contest, Market Appeal and Hot Water usage helped push them ahead.

Check out the winning home, as well as other entries, in the slideshow above. Discover more about the contest .

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