© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
NPR Illinois is seeking a full-time multimedia journalist to co-host/produce/edit/report for a new daily, regional radio news hour with Sean Crawford. Click to apply.

College Student Opts For Solar-Powered House Over Dorm Room

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

Good morning. I'm David Greene. College students are moving into dorms this month - not Rob Dunn. The senior at Green Mountain College in Vermont will be in his 96-square-foot solar-powered house. Dunn told The Rutland Herald he wanted to save money. Building the house brought a one-time cost of $3,000 - room and board at the school, 11,000 a year. Dunn uses clay and sand for insulation. He says this is the most raw experience he has ever had, echoing what some say about college itself. You're listening to MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.