Powered by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority

We are excited to announce that Round 5 of the multi-million-dollar American-Made Solar Prize has commenced! This competition encourages innovators to come up with ideas to energize solar energy in new and exciting ways.

Round 5 features a two-track structure, which invites both hardware and software technologies to compete separately and allows for more solar innovation than ever before. The Hardware Track offers $3 million in cash prizes to competitors over three progressive contests. Simultaneously, the Software Track offers $1.6 million in cash prizes over three contests, plus an additional challenge that awards competitors who incorporate environmental justice principles into their technologies. Participants across both tracks will follow the same timeline but compete for separate prizes.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, competitors have access to a diverse and powerful support network—including us—that leverages the expertise of national laboratories, energy incubators, and other resources across the United States. The American-Made Network helps competitors solve pressing technology challenges, forge connections, and advance potentially game-changing ideas, helping you get your innovation to market faster.

Are you interested in having an impact on the solar energy future? Do you have a groundbreaking idea that solves some of solar’s toughest challenges? As a connector, NELHA wants to support you!

Learn more at the Solar Prize Round 5 Informational Webinar on July 13 at 3 p.m. ET and submit an application by Oct. 5, 2021, to be considered for this next round of competition.