Author: US DOE Published: 9/12/2022 SETO
DOE Launches SolarAPP+ Prize to Streamline Solar Permitting
The U.S Department of Energy today launched the SolarAPP+ Prize, a million-dollar prize program designed to accelerate the adoption of SolarAPP+, an online platform that instantly issues permits for code-compliant residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Local governments that successfully adopt SolarAPP+ by April 27, 2023 can receive a $15,000 cash prize.
SolarAPP+ has been adopted by dozens of Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). For local governments that have adopted SolarAPP+, projects are permitted and inspected about two weeks faster than average, saving time for employees and getting more solar energy online faster.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) will award prizes of $15,000 to local governments that successfully adopt or pilot SolarAPP+ over the coming months. The prize funding can help local governments lower the cost of the adoption process.
Overview
Step 1: Application
To apply, interested AHJs (including counties, cities, and incorporated towns and villages) must submit an application with a letter of support to demonstrate their intent to adopt SolarAPP+, the impact it would have on their solar permitting process, and their need for the product and the SolarAPP+ Prize.
Reviewers will review the applications and select competitors to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Step 2: Adoption
Eligible competitors will have five months to submit proof of SolarAPP+ adoption for the opportunity to win cash prizes. To win the prize, the AHJ must begin piloting the application with contractors in their community on or before April 27, 2023.
Interested participants can sign up and read the rules on the HeroX platform.
Timeline
- The program opened on September 12, 2022.
- Step 1 submissions are due on November 4, 2022 at 3 p.m. ET.
- Eligible competitors are expected to be announced in late November 2022.
- Step 2 final submissions are due April 27, 2023 at 3 p.m. ET.
- Winners are expected to be announced in May 2023.
Learn More
- Register to compete in the SolarAPP+ Prize.
- Download the rules for the competition.
- Sign up to attend an information webinar about the program on September 27, 2022.
- Learn about SolarAPP+.
- Browse SETO’s other prizes and challenges.
- Browse SETO’s open funding opportunities.