Solar in Your Community challenge Bringing solar to all Americans

The Solar in Your Community Challenge is a $5 million contest to support innovative and replicable community-based solar business models and programs that will bring solar to underserved communities.

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Motivation

Low and moderate income (LMI) households represent 40% of America’s population, but less than 5% of all solar customers. LMI households, non-profits, and government organizations face several barriers to going solar, including limited financing options, low or no credit history, and lack of access to the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit.

Call to Action

We call on innovators around the country to team up with key stakeholders in local communities and explore, pilot, and scale up new models that will create new solar markets for low and moderate income households, non-profits, and local governments.

get involved

Form a team to design and deploy scalable community-based solar projects or programs, up to 5MW in 18 months that serve at least 20% LMI households or 60% non-profits. Teams must register on the platform to join and then submit an application to participate. Projects and programs must be completed between 5/2/17 – 10/31/18.

Win Prizes

Teams will compete for a $500,000 Grand Prize for most effectively demonstrating an innovative and scalable solar model. DOE will grant up to $5 million in cash prizes and technical assistance throughout the competition with up to $2 million in seed prizes, $2 million technical assistance, and $1 million in final prizes.

How it Works

Participants in the Challenge include teams, experts, and supporters. Teams should consist of multiple stakeholders (e.g. entrepreneurs, financiers, utility representatives, local governments, and community leaders). If you are interested in connecting to people in your area, you can register now as a supporter.

TEAMS

  • Register to join and network online
  • Define your goals and plans
  • Apply to compete in the Challenge
REGISTER

EXPERTS

  • Register to join and network online
  • Choose to be a Consultant or a Coach
  • Apply to support teams in the Challenge
REGISTER

SUPPORTERS

  • Register to join online
  • Explain how you plan to support teams
  • Network online
REGISTER