The Solar Prize Round 2 finalists are one step closer to competition completion! The 10 competing teams just submitted their last pitch videos showcasing the progress they’ve made since earning their finalist titles in March 2020. 

Here’s a recap of the technologies competing for $500,000 as a final winner: 

  • Team Integrated Silicon Systems: This team is developing a low-cost manufacturing method for silicon wafers using a technique that involves melting the silicon, which floats as it solidifies, and slowly pulling a continuous, thin layer of it.
  • Team Asoleyo: This team is designing front contact patterns on solar cells for visually appealing solar surfaces.
  • Team Switched Source: This team is developing a device, and software to control it, which will enable higher penetration of solar on distribution feeders without costly infrastructure upgrades.
  • Team Terra Pave: This team is creating an eco-friendly, cost-effective road coating that controls dust and dirt on high-traffic roads near solar field installations to reduce dirt cover on panels, which lowers energy output.
  • Team SolPaver: This team is transforming the patio paver into a sunlight-permeable, high-strength, composite concrete and resin paver that produces power and eliminates the need for additional mounting hardware.
  • Team Vespr Solar: This team is building a solar module attachment system with a spring-based clip that locks to secure the module while providing electrical bonding and wire management capabilities, which simplifies and lowers the cost of installation.
  • Team Orison: This team is developing an in-home energy storage unit that plugs into a standard wall outlet and can be charged using solar energy.
  • Team SunFlex Solar: This team is replacing high-cost copper back-sheets used in standard back-contacted silicon cells with lower-cost aluminum.
  • Team Resilient Power Systems: This team is developing a power router to connect a medium-scale solar plant directly to the medium-voltage grid, eliminating equipment that is typically required and reducing costs.
  • Team Taka Solar: This team is making an integrated solar panel and mount product for flat commercial rooftops that installs four times faster and weighs half as much as traditional installations.

See the finalist pitch videos and connect with these solar entrepreneurs at the solar networking event, hosted by Nation of Makers, on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. ET. This event is free and open to all solar professionals, investors, and Round 2 fans. Register here. 

Finally, find out which two teams will become the final Solar Prize Round 2 winners, each earning $500,000 in cash prizes and $75,000 in support vouchers for their outstanding solar innovations. RSVP now for the winner announcement happening on Friday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m. ET.