Benefits of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest in the American-Made Solar Prize
Solar energy is one of the most efficient renewable energy sources, but accessing clean energy can be a challenge in communities that are underinvested in and disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. To address this disparity, the U.S. Department of Energy has identified eight policy priorities based on the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which includes increasing parity in clean energy technology access and adoption in disadvantaged communities. One way to advance this priority is through the American-Made Solar Prize, which prioritizes and accelerates solar innovations. By seeking innovative solar energy solutions capable of addressing the tough challenges facing the solar industry, we can ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for all. VentureWell has supported the American-Made Network since 2021, serving proudly in the role of Power Connector for the past two years.
The Solar Prize competition also includes an optional challenge focused on advancing solar in underserved communities: the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest. The impacts of climate change are felt most strongly in underserved communities, and this contest incentivizes competitors to develop innovative technology solutions that will help accelerate the growth of solar for those with limited or no access.
We talked with entrepreneurs whose innovations have been funded by the American-Made Solar Prize and the JEDI Contest and with a mentor who worked closely with applicants, so we could bring you their insights.
What is the American-Made Solar Prize?
Now in its eighth year, the American-Made Solar Prize is a competition that offers more than $4.2 million in prizes to entrepreneurs with a solar innovation capable of reaching commercialization in three to five years. Teams participate in a series of contests with increasing cash prizes, from the Ready! Contest ($50,000) to the Set! Contest ($100,000) to the final Go! Contest ($500,000).
Erika Block, principal of Sticky Lab (which provides strategy and storytelling services for entrepreneurs and community builders) and a mentor for Solar Prize competitors, emphasized the holistic value of the Solar Prize. “The structure of the Solar Prize is so much more than the competition,” said Block. “Every company that participates walks away with tools, strategies, resources, and an expanded network that will help them grow their businesses—whether or not they get the cash prize.” Each phase offers winners additional funding and support to prepare for the next phase of the contest, helping them to advance their innovation in real time over the course of the contest.
Teams that are working to advance solar power in underserved communities can also benefit from the JEDI Contest. “It’s a really unique, powerful opportunity to advance inclusive innovation that offers a bonus cash prize of $200,000 to help spur their efforts,” said VentureWell Program Officer Sarah Wharmby, who has provided Power Connector assistance for the past three rounds of the Solar Prize.
How is the JEDI Contest useful for innovators?
Despite a 50% increase in growth since 2012, the U.S. solar industry continues to struggle with significant disparities across race and ethnicity, according to Nature Sustainability. There are many opportunities to adapt affordable, clean, and reliable solar energy to benefit underserved communities, but access to those resources is an ongoing challenge. “The current energy transition will never succeed if people are left behind,” said Block. “A JEDI lens brings this into focus.”
There is no separate application necessary to be considered for the JEDI Contest. Participants whose innovations already demonstrate a concerted effort toward inclusive innovation are automatically considered to win part of the prize. “It rewards innovators who prioritize diverse stakeholders,” Erika said, “while also encouraging other solar innovators to consider how their technology, their teams and partners, and their go-to-market strategies might be strengthened by integrating this lens into their work.”
For the Solar Prize Round 8, contestants can win money from the JEDI Contest at each stage in the process, with up to 10 winners at the semifinalist stage, five winners among the finalists, and two winners in the last stage of the prize. The $200,000 is spread across these winners, with individual prizes capped at $25,000.
What is the impact of the Solar Prize on teams and the communities they support?
Last year, EmpowerSun Solutions advanced to the final round (the Go! Contest) of the Solar Prize Round 7, securing a $110,000 cash prize and a $75,000 technical support voucher. They also distinguished themselves as one of only three teams among 10 finalists to win the JEDI prize. This achievement, in combination with the contest winnings, are helping spur the advancement of their invention: a platform that provides customized solar planning resources and connects landowners with pre-certified project partners. Their goal has been to help underserved communities, farmers, and tribal entities leverage their land for the development of solar energy more effectively and seamlessly.
“We had a great experience working with Erika, Jade Garrett, and the other advisors within the American-Made Network,” said Monique Dyers, CEO of EmpowerSun Solutions. “We’re excited to continue our collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other industry experts to speed up the development of our platform, which is designed to support underserved communities.”
During the Solar Prize Round 6 competition, ReJoule made history as the first team to win both the $500,000 grand prize and the $50,000 JEDI contest. ReJoule is developing a management system that accurately measures electric vehicle battery life, providing a diagnostics and grading report to maximize battery usage.
Learn how ReJoule is creating a circular economy for lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
“This achievement is a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future and the hard work of our amazing team,” said ReJoule staff when they announced their win. “Exciting times are ahead as we further our innovations toward commercialization and address solar adoption in marginalized communities. Together, we are working towards a circular economy.”
Mentors stand on the cutting edge of solar innovation.
Mentors get to see the future of solar power by working with the companies that are building it, right now. As innovators strive to grow climate resilience for our planet, mentors use their knowledge and expertise to help early-stage ideas and prototypes grow so they can make a real, lasting impact in mitigating climate change.
“I get to work with really smart, thoughtful and optimistic founding teams that are solving big problems and creating new possibilities,” Block said. “It makes me optimistic about a future that isn’t always easy to be optimistic about.”
Looking ahead for opportunities to get involved?
Thinking about competing? Solar innovators and entrepreneurs can benefit enormously from the mentorship, support, and connections the American-Made Solar Prize provides, even before any prize money. Companies that qualify for the JEDI Contest can win even more.
Follow the prize on HeroX for application details and information on how to access support. Remember: The deadline to apply is September 26.
Interested in mentoring? Email Sarah Wharmby.