From the US Department of Energy:
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.
The United States Department of Energy is calling 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.
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. Entries are due March 17.
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.
Please click here for the rule book and more information.
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus encourages communities to adopt the Greenest Region Compact 2. Read more.