Students are the engine that makes the Solar Decathlon run, and their nearly boundless energy kept spirits high during the final rainy days of the event in October 2009 in Washington, DC.

SPIE visited the event and compiled this composite "tour" highlighting the different components of a typical house, as told by student tour guides at several houses.

Watch the video: Student designs shine at the Solar Decathlon

Article: Team Germany wins 2nd consecutive Solar Decathlon (SPIE Newsroom) 

For more information:
Solar Decathlon website (U.S. Department of Energy)
Rice University - Zerow House
Team Ontario/BC - North House
Iowa State University - Interlock House
Team California - Refract House