Futuristic solar homes compete in Madrid contest
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The solar house of the Technical University of Danemark is displayed in Madrid on Sept 13, 2012 among other solar houses built and designed by 23 college and university student teams during The Solar Decathlon Europe competition held from Sept 14 to Sept 30 in Madrid. -- PHOTO: AFP
MADRID (AFP) - International teams have built 19 sun-powered homes in Spain's capital for a contest that shows off futuristic designs, including one house that swivels 180 degrees.
In western Madrid's huge Casa de Campo park, the sun glints off the solar panels of a futuristic mini-village erected in 10 days by university teams from China, Japan, Brazil, Egypt and across Europe.
One home built by a Portuguese team can turn to track the sun's rays, a French-designed house has walls that move electronically, and a Japanese abode has its own rice paddy.
The homes competing in the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012, which opened on Friday, face a 15-day marathon of 10 trials to measure their merits, including energy efficiency, design and comfort.
