Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno catches up with Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu on site at the 2011 Solar Decathlon. Chu talks about some of the coolest innovations in the houses, and even wonks out a bit on r values and building materials.

(Related Photos: Solar Decathlon Students Race to Renew Home Energy)

The official DOE final standings for the Solar Decathlon put the University of Maryland on top (congrats, Terps!) followed by Purdue, New Zealand and Middlebury. But we have our own contest, and you are the judge. Vote for which team was your favorite at Planet Forward’s