Why a student-built solar house has no buyers

It seems like a bargain: a $1 million prize-winning solar-powered house for a starting bid of $200,000 -- just above the Twin Cities median value.

But buyers haven't warmed to it, so the University of Minnesota student project still stands unwanted across the street from the Bell Museum in Minneapolis

Why?

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

  • A weak housing market.

  • No ground to put it on.

  • Some assembly required. (And this isn't exactly an IKEA evening project.)

  • How about the fact that it's only 550 square feet?

Read the full story by MPR reporter Anissa Stocks and check out more photos of it here.