The contest is international, three of the 20 teams are non-US (Canada; Spain; Germany). 
The Solar Decathlon is a bi-annual ever cool event, pitting colleges and universities across the nation in ten contests that "center on the ways we use energy in our daily lives."The Solar Decathlon joins 20 college and university teams in a competition to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house.
From 12-20 October, the Solar Decathlon will be open to visitors on the Mall in Washington, DC. There is so much there that you can expect it to take two days to visit all 20 team houses. (Visitor info.)
The contest is quite focused:
the development and demonstration of solar-powered homes in which, by the year 2015, the whole-house, levelized energy cost has been reduced to $.10/kWh. This needs to be achieved while complying with the criteria associated with the 10 contests that the competition comprises.
To compete, the teams must design and build energy-efficient homes that are powered exclusively by the sun. The homes must be attractive and easy to live in. They must maintain a comfortable temperature, provide attractive and adequate lighting, power household appliances for cooking and cleaning, power home electronics, and provide hot water. These houses must also power an electric vehicle to meet household transportation needs.
The contest is international, three of the 20 teams are non-US (Canada; Spain; Germany).
This is a must-do event for anyone looking for real opportunities and concepts for a better energy future. Everyone who can, should get there -- whether in person or virtually.
See you there ...