Great news! The registration deadline for one-semester teams of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar District Cup has been extended one week to Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time—don’t miss this opportunity!

This free-to-enter competition challenges teams to design solar solutions for real campuses, complete with conceptual designs, financial models, development plans, and investor pitches. Final presentations to industry judges will be held virtually in April 2026.

Why Participate?

  • Perfect for an ABET-aligned capstone project or a hands-on club/class activity.
  • Gain resume-building experience in energy design and finance.
  • Prepare for careers in energy, engineering, and more.

Hear from Alumni:
Watch short videos of past participants offering advice to those considering the competition and talking about what they learned that helped them enter the energy industry.

How to Register:

  1. Visit herox.com/SolarDistrictCup and click “Solve This Challenge.”
  2. Create an account.
  3. Complete your entry with your school’s name and contact info by Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.

You can also view last year’s informational webinar for an overview (dates will differ). Once registered, we’ll provide your district use case and access to educational resources.

If you are a student, and curious about solar or the energy industry, register today!

If you know students, faculty, or peers who are passionate about energy and innovation, encourage them to register today!