A solar-powered bach designed and built by Victoria University students begins its journey to America from Tauranga today.

The Meridian First Light house is Victoria University's entry into the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, which takes place in Washington DC this September and October.

The solar-powered bach made by Victoria University students.

The team is the first finalist ever from the Southern Hemisphere in the international competition, where teams from around the world design, build and operate solar-powered houses which are cost effective, energy-efficient and attractive.

'This is a huge milestone for us,” says co-creator Ben Jagersma.

'We're really looking forward to the competition and it's exciting for our house to finally be heading to the US.”

The house was recently assembled in Wellington for a public display on the waterfront and then was shipped by Mainfreight to Tauranga.

Today it leaves New Zealand from the Port of Tauranga, headed for Philadelphia.