Responses have been provided below to questions posed by interested parties. While the responses are based on the prize rules document they do not take precedent over the more detailed information provided in the official rules. All potential prize competitors are encouraged to read that document carefully before proceeding with plans to prepare and submit an application.
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS:
Q: How do I join NCSP? What is the cost, and what are the benefits?
A: Teams can join and learn more about the benefits of National Community Solar Partnership at ncsp.solarinyourcommunity.org . There is no cost for joining NCSP.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Will you all send out the slide deck or the Zoom recording?
A: Yes, the recording for the 2023 Sunny Awards webinar is posted to the Updates tab on HeroX. The slide deck is posted under the Resources tab on HeroX.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Can these awards be combined with other funding to support larger projects? Or must they be used exclusively for projects sizes equal to the award amount totals?
A: Yes. Funds can be used however a winning team sees fit. if you are a contest winner you are receiving the prize for meeting or exceeding the contest goals.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: What is the difference between teams and innovators on HeroX?
A: Innovators are the individuals who follow the challenge to receive updates about the prize. Teams are the number of individuals that have clicked the “Solve this Challenge” button on HeroX.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Is it possible to preview the entire application as a pdf document?
A: To preview the application as a PDF you can click on ‘Begin Entry’, navigate to “print” (Control P), and on the “print” page there is an option to save as a PDF.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q:Where does one register with HeroX?
A: Teams can register at www.herox.com/2023SunnyAwards by ‘following the prize (upper right corner). From here there will be a prompt to register.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: If we won a related award such as the Community Power Accelerator, but would plan to use aspects of one of those projects, related to additional points of course, would we will still qualify given compliment or overlap?
A: Teams can submit to as many prizes as they are eligible for. This does not impact their standing on other prizes.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Does that include an LLC?
A: All teams must form a legal entity to compete in the 2023 Sunny Awards.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRIZE QUESTIONS:
Q: Where can I learn more about technical assistance through the National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP)?
A: More information about National Community Solar Partnership technical assistance can be found at: Technical Expertise and Capacity Building | Department of Energy
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Is it possible to be a partner to export Solar system to another country?
A: To be eligible for the 2023 Sunny Award Prizes, project portfolios, state and utility programs must be based in the United States or its territories.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: I would like to learn how to implement this resource. To help with a capital stack for our community solar project.
A: For community solar projects seeking financing we recommend exploring the Community Power Accelerator.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Do you require a certain way to confirm LMI status of subscribers?
A: There is no requirement to use a specific method to confirm subscribers’ income level, though we encourage you to describe your process for verifying low- to moderate-income households in detail and to submit the highest quality evidence possible. Page 21 of the 2023 Sunny Awards Prize Rules lists suggested evidence in order to verify the status of your LMI subscribers. If you feel that you have strong evidence outside of the suggested evidence, then please submit that.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: It appears this program does not support the launch of a new program that is looking to move from concept to implementation, correct?
A: The 2023 Sunny Award Prizes only recognizes established community solar projects/programs that have been energized for at least six months. For community solar projects seeking financing we encourage exploring the Community Power Accelerator.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Do you anticipate the Sunny Awards will be a recurring award offered again for the 2024 year?
A: Future rounds of the Sunny Awards have not been announced at this time.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: For the 50% residential customers requirement, is that of the total number of participants or the size of the solar garden?
A: The nominated project portfolio or projects supported by a state, tribal, district, municipal or utility program must serve at least 50% residential customers (i.e., does not provide a majority of its capacity to commercial entities, nonprofits, or other anchor tenants). This refers to the capacity of the project or program (size of the community solar project or program), and not the number of participants. For example, in a 1MW project, at least 500kW should be allocated to residential subscribers/participants.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: What if our subscription management provider partners with other companies? Can they partner with more than one developer?
A: All organizations (such as subscription managers) can be listed as team members or partner organizations on multiple submissions, but an organization may only be listed as a team lead on one submission.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Can we partner with our subscription management provider on submitting? What if they team up with more than one developer?
A: All organizations (such as subscription managers) can be listed as team members or partner organizations on multiple submissions, but an organization may only be listed as a team lead on one submission.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: I am exploring the possibility of an application for a solar array on a church. At this point it is not yet installed and it seems that is required, but otherwise would it be eligible?
A: The 2023 Sunny Award Prizes only recognizes established community solar projects/programs that have been energized for at least six months. For community solar projects seeking financing we encourage exploring the Community Power Accelerator.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q: Can we use the Justice 40 census track for the community we are serving?
A: We recommend using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.