The U.S. Dept. of Energy’s third Solar Decathlon has brought students from 20 of the world’s leading universities to Washington, D.C., to transform the National Mall into a solar village.

In preparation for a competition that takes place from Oct. 12 through Oct. 20, teams began on Oct. 3 assembling energy-efficient homes powered entirely by the sun.

University-led teams from across the United States, Spain, Germany and Canada are designing, building and operating the homes, many using technologies that are currently available for purchase and use.

Beginning on Oct. 12, the houses are open for public tour.

For more information, go www.solardecathlon.org .

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.