LAS VEGAS (AP) - Students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas are getting ready to break ground on the super-energy efficient house they're entering into a national competition.

The Las Vegas Sun reports the UNLV Solar Decathlon team has been designing for months and hopes to begin construction on the 735-square-foot, solar-powered house later this month.

UNLV was among 20 teams chosen a year ago for the U.S. Department of Energy's 2013 Solar Decathlon competition. They were given a $100,000 federal grant to start the project and will officially compete in Irvine, Calif., in October.

The small house will be powered by 30 solar panels and feature a fountain that uses recycled rainwater.

Team members say they hope the energy-neutral design will inspire more efficient home building in the future.

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