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100605_Open_008_Photo by Stefano Paltera/Solar Decathlon
The University of Maryland's solar powered house, designed to resemble the path of the sun across the sky, contrasts the older architecture of the Smithsonian Museum, back, in Washington, D.C., Thursday Oct. 6, 2005. Maryland, along with 17 other collegiate teams, is competing in the Solar Decathlon, held on the National Mall from Oct. 7-14 in Washington, D.C., to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home.
Teams will be judged in 10 areas encompassing architecture, livability, comfort, power generationfor space heating and cooling, water heating and powering lights and appliances. Each solar house must also produce enough "extra" power for an electric car.