With the the cut of a blue ribbon, this year’s U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon and XPO featuring 20 international collegiate teams officially opened at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.

Helping to launch the event was Ted Craver, chairman, president and CEO of Edison International, who spoke at the opening ceremonies Oct. 3. The utility is a sustaining sponsor of the event that takes place Oct. 3-6 and Oct. 10-13.

“Edison’s investment in solar is really part of our continued commitment to the community, as well as recognition of the importance of solar to society and to the electric grid,” he said. “For nearly 30 years, Edison has been a leader in renewable energy. We’ve delivered more renewable energy to customers than literally any other utility in the United States.”

Craver toured the houses created by students from the University of Southern California, his alma mater, and the Southern California Institute of Architecture and California Institute of Technology, which Edison International helped sponsor. Over the years, Edison International has supported both schools as part of its philanthropic commitment to education and advanced programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

During the decathlon, Southern California Edison (SCE) will host a Twitter party on all things solar on Oct. 4 from 2-3 p.m. (host: @SCE, #SCEsolar) at the ABC Green Home, the certified, net-zero energy home created by SCE and Green Homebuilder magazine.

The three-bedroom, two-bath craftsman-style home, which is eco-friendly and sustainable, will be on display giving visitors a look at homebuilding in the future today. For a video tour of the ABC Green Home, visit newsroom.edison.com. The ABC Green Home is located at the Great Park in Irvine.

In addition, SCE representatives will conduct the workshop “SCE Homeowner Solar Class: California Solar Initiative Rebate Program.” The workshop is open to the public and is ideal for residents considering a solar electricity generating system for their home. Attendees will learn about the California Solar Initiative rebate program, basics of solar, how to find a contractor and financing options.

For more information about this year’s Solar Decathlon: www.solardecathlon.gov.