The plan for a group of collegians from West Virginia University to compete in the Solar Decathlon gets assistance from a supplier of green roof products.

In a display of private/public partnership, West Virginia University received a donation of green roof materials that they will use for the home that they build as part of the 2013 Solar Decathlon.

The products, called Eco Trays, are made of 100% recycled HDPE material and are designed to facilitate growing plants on a roof. Eco-Roofs, the product'?N????e??os supplier, donated 300 of them to the university and they will be delivered with pre-grown plants. The trays'?N????e??o custom-designed drainage and filtration are cited as significant factors in providing an effective green roof.

WVU is one of 20 teams from around the world that have entered this event, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The competition challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-efficient, energy-efficient and attractive.

The supplier also worked with the university on the plant selection, care and logistics of the green roof portion of their entry. The trays are currently growing at a California nursery to be acclimated and ready for the October 3 competition. These trays can be viewed by the public at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif.