Photos of the Day — October 6, 2005

Let the competition begin! U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman cuts the ribbon to open the solar village at the 2005 Solar Decathlon. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

Here they are — the 2005 Solar Decathletes! Not even the misty Washington, D.C., morning can dampen their spirits. Eight days of tough competition are ahead. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

A little spirit, please. The team from Puerto Rico adds to the opening day festivities with flags, joyous songs, and tambourines. After all the hard work, it's great to see the students having so much fun. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

The University of Colorado house stands ready to receive visitors. In the inaugural Solar Decathlon competition in 2002, the Colorado team took home top honors. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

University of Missouri-Rolla students hang around home, finally finding a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The home features many built-ins that play off the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

Pittsburgh's distinguishing feature is a completely translucent wall for daylighting, which can also serve as a projection surface. The Florida house, on the right, is built around a center courtyard. Modular walls and glass doors make it possible for the entire space, including the courtyard, to become one large room. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

Washington State University team members show off their evacuated-tube collectors for the home's solar hot water system. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

The west side of the New York Institute of Technology's house shows off passive solar design features, operable windows that provide daylighting and breezes, overlooking the active solar system. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)

The solar village is quiet today, but just wait until tomorrow. That's the first day the houses are open to the public. (Credit: Stefano Paltera, Solar Decathlon)