Tufts University and Boston Architectural College are among 20 university teams from the U.S., Canada, Spain and Germany competing in this year’s Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Teams are challenged to build high-tech, high-efficiency solar-powered homes to showcase the latest in green design and technology.
Construction begins today on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, and the homes will be displayed beginning Wednesday, according to a statement.
The Solar Decathlon includes 10 contests that evaluate the architecture, engineering, comfort, marketability, appliances, lighting and other aspects of the teams’ houses. The teams will have to perform everyday tasks, including cooking, laundry and washing dishes to test the energy efficiency of their homes.
In addition to Tufts’ and Boston Architectural College’s "Team Boston," other competitors include teams from Cornell University, Iowa State University, Penn State University and Virginia Tech.





