College students compete in solar energy decathlon

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- Teams across the nation are taking part in a college competition that could determine the future of energy-efficient and sustainable living.

For the next week, 14 groups with future leaders of clean tech will compete in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.

The competition challenges the students to design, build, and operate houses that are completely solar powered, affordable and livable.

United States Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz took a tour of some of the homes, to meet the bright minds behind them.

"It makes economic sense, it makes environmental sense, and it makes security sense," he said.

It is security to ensure the U.S. stays competitive in the race for clean energy.

Watch Greg Lee's report for more details on the solar decathlon in the video above.