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1 | Community Power Accelerator Prize Round 2 FAQs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | Last Updated | March 4, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | Category | Question # | Date Added | Question | Answer | ||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Awards | A.1 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Do you need to win Prize 1 to be eligible for Prize 2? | You will need to win Phase 1 to move onto Phase 2. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | Awards | A.2 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | When would winners of phase 1 be announces? | December 2023/Janurary 2024 is the announcment target. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | Awards | A.3 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | wait - awards announced December 2024 or December 2023?? | December 2023/Janurary 2024 is the announcement target. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8 | Awards | A.4 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Did you say winners announced in December 2024? A year later ? | December 2023/Janurary 2024 is the announcement target. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | Awards | A.5 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Is the projected announcement date for winners of phase 1 December 2024 as stated, or is it 2023? | December 2023/Janurary 2024 is the announcement target. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
10 | Awards | A.6 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | The $50,00 prize will be split among the team members but will be paid to the team leader, is that correct? | Yes that is correct. The payment will be awarded to the lead organization entity. The lead entity will then be responsible for distribution of those funds to their team members. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | Awards | A.7 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | phase 1 would be announced in DEcember 2024. Did you mean Decemember 2023? Because phase 2 starts January 2024. | Yes! That was a typo. The Phase 1 winners will be announced in December 2023. Phase 2 will begin January 2024. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | Awards | A.8 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Can the prize cover any non-solar related costs? Like stands and material to ensure solar installation? | You can use your prize funding how you see fit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
13 | Awards | A.9 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | Let’s assume that every organization meets the requirements of the Phase 2 submission, could all organizations win Phase 2? | Correct! We want ALL of you to win! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | Eligibility | E.1 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | How many team members are required to apply? | There is no requirement for your team members, however, you should have enough capacity to carry out the work you are proposing | ||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | Eligibility | E.2 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Do team members need to be US Citizens or Permanent residents green card holders could apply? | The applying entity needs to be a U.S. legal entity in order to apply and win prize awards. Please see page 12 for the eligibility requirements of the prize in the official rules. https://americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/community-power-accelerator/docs/Community-Power-Accelerator-Prize-Round-2-Rules.pdf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Eligibility | E.3 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | If your organisation wants to become a community solar developer but hasn't yet developed projects but have some of the in-house capabilities. Would this organisation be eligible or should it team up with a developer ? | Eligible. It is not a requirement to be paired with an experienced developer. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
17 | Eligibility | E.4 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Are solarized houses of worship projects considered to be community solar projects? | The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, in which the benefits of a solar project flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | Eligibility | E.5 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can you only apply to round 2 only if you won round 1? | No, it is open to anyone who has not won Round 1. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | Eligibility | E.6 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | How do you propose that startups who do not have a past and current portfolio submit a winning application? Or should we not bother applying? | Thanks for you question. We had winners in Round 1, who were completely new to CS. Take a look at those projects here: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAccelerator/updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||
20 | Eligibility | E.7 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | How broad is the “community solar” definition? Could a net metering project which shares its benefits with tenants through different pipelines still apply to the program? | The pipeline must include community solar as part of your application. The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, in which the benefits of a solar project flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | Eligibility | E.8 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | If a project is receiving other public funds (from state grant program, for example), is it still eligible for the Community Power Accelerator Prizes? | Yes | ||||||||||||||||||||||
22 | Eligibility | E.9 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Would a solar supplier that teams with a solar installation company be considered a solar developer team? | The Community Power Accelerator Prize is open to U.S. community solar developers, including new developers and experienced developers who are expanding their community solar operations. The prize also welcomes solar co-developers, organizations who are partnering with a project developer, and other non-developer organizations, such as local governments, nonprofits, and community-based organizations, to apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | Eligibility | E.10 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can we partner with Indigenous groups with no experience? | Yes! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | Eligibility | E.11 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Is a new Community Organization, who is new to Community Solar Development, no past Solar Dev background, has been a big advocate of community solar for years, are they eligible to apply? | Yes! You are eligible to apply, but we would encourage you to team up with a an experienced developer on your projects. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
25 | Eligibility | E.12 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | What about partnering with houses of worship like churches, mosques etc. are they considered part of the community organizations? | Yes, we include those as community organizations | ||||||||||||||||||||||
26 | Eligibility | E.13 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Well, a community organization new to Community Solar Development? | You are eligible to apply if you are a community organization and are new to community solar development. We encourage you to partner with another experienced developer for the prize | ||||||||||||||||||||||
27 | Eligibility | E.14 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | If you are familar with the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program, can you speak to how we (grantees or subgrantee agencies) could impliment this prize? For example, I want to know how applicable applying for this prize would be for our organization. We have been in the works on finding funding to help support a pilot for installing solar on our low-income clients across our state. We serve at least 300 home annually but have never implimented solar yet dispite being allowed by DOE to fund such projects. We just need some start up funds (I.e. the prize) to help impliment this in our exisiting program. | The prize is seeking organizations that have the desire and ambition to develop and finance a project portfolio of two or more projects that, in aggregate, total at least 1 MWDC of community solar (not exceeding 5 MWDC for a single facility) during the course of the prize. The goal of this prize is to not install residential solar onto homes. You can find more information about the goal requirements of the prize on page 13 in the Official Rules: https://americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/community-power-accelerator/docs/Community-Power-Accelerator-Prize-Round-2-Rules.pdf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
28 | Eligibility | E.15 | Email question - 8/8 | Can a Round 1 winner compete for Round 2 of the Community Power Accelerator Prize? | No, round 1 winners of the Community Power Accelerator Prize are not eligible for Round 2. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
29 | Eligibility | E.16 | Email question - 8/23 | Did I need to win Round 1 to apply for Round 2? | No, you did not need to win Round 1, and anyone who meets the eligibility requirements of Round 2 are welcome to apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
30 | Eligibility | E.17 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | If a potential team member was a prize winner in round 1 can they participate in Round 2? | Unfortunately no. If you were a winner on Round 1, you cannot participate in Round 2. You can partner with an organization, but you cannot be a lead entity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
31 | Eligibility | E.18 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | How do we become eligible for Phase 1? | Eligibility rules are located here: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAcceleratorRound2/resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | Eligibility | E.19 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | Will only winners in this phase be eligible for the Phase 2 prize? | Correct! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | General / Other | G.1 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Will this presentation recording be provided to view after this meeting? | Yes, this presentation will be uploaded to HeroX. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | General / Other | G.2 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Could one team apply for more than one solar contest or challenge? | Yes, your team can apply to more prizes through the American-Made Challenges program | ||||||||||||||||||||||
35 | General / Other | G.3 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Would a nonprofit entity need to pay taxes on the cash prize should they be selected for an award? | A nonprofit entity will need to report the income in their financials | ||||||||||||||||||||||
36 | General / Other | G.4 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Is the prize money considered taxable income? | Yes, any prize monies awarded to an entity is taxable income | ||||||||||||||||||||||
37 | General / Other | G.5 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Why the discrepancy between round 1 and 2? | This is a NEW round of the $10 million Community Power Accelerator Prize. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
38 | General / Other | G.6 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | A little confused -- I thought Phase1 has already closed and winners had been announced? | Correct! This is a brand new round of the prize. Round 1 participants have already been selected. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
39 | General / Other | G.7 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Could one team apply for more than one solar contest or America Made challenge? | Yes! You can apply for more than one American-Made contest. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
40 | General / Other | G.8 | Email question - 8/14/23 | Who can I contact from ADL? | You can email Matt Paul at matthew.paul@adlventures.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||
41 | General / Other | G.9 | Email question - 9/12/23 | Does every single member of a bidding team have to make a Hero X account and join the team on Hero X? | No, not every team member needs to have a HeroX account or join the team on HeroX. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
42 | General / Other | G.10 | Email question - 9/12/23 | Is there a form established for us to sign that that has the statement “I am providing this submission package as part of my participation in this awards program. I understand that in providing this submission to the Federal Government, I certify under penalty of perjury that the named competitor meets the eligibility requirements for this awards program and complies with all other rules contained in the Official Rules document. I further represent that the information contained in the submission is true and contains no misrepresentations. I understand false statements or misrepresentations to the Federal Government may result in civil and/or criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and § 287.” ? | You will sign digitally on your HeroX submission to that statement. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
43 | General / Other | G.11 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | The proposal language seems to use the terms team member, partners and co-developers differently. How do you define these terms ? Isn’t team member and partner interchaneable? | Yes, these are interchangeable. Team members are typically referenced on HeroX. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
44 | General / Other | G.12 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | How will this program effectively engage local communities where community solar is inhibited by the State/utility regulatory agencies. | We had several winners in Round 1 who are located in states without CS-friendly policies. It is possible! Our technical assistance team is here to support you. Check out more about those projects here on HeroX: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAccelerator/updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | General / Other | G.13 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | A key need for my organization is access to info and a process to understanding how to create a community owned CSG. Are those resources out there? | There are many resources out there. Please visit the NCSP website and there are resources on what community ownership looks like. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
46 | General / Other | G.14 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | What percentage of past winners are non-profts vs private sector? | You can see the Round 1 winners here: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAccelerator/teams | ||||||||||||||||||||||
47 | General / Other | G.15 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Please post the link to the community power acceletator again, thanks | You can find the prize here: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAcceleratorRound2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | General / Other | G.16 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Will the presentation slides be available after the webinar? | Yes, the slides and a recording of this webinar will be posted to HeroX. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
49 | General / Other | G.17 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | I understand how we join CPA portal to connect with investors, but how do we apply to the prize? | Please apply on HeroX: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAcceleratorRound2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
50 | General / Other | G.18 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Thank you, I am interested in the link to present projects. | You can sign up for the Accelerator here: https://communitypower.energy.gov/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
51 | General / Other | G.19 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Can you share where the guide is on https:communitypower.energy.gov site? Found the checklist but not the guide. Thanks! | You can find the Philanthropy-Ready Guide here: https://eta-publications.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/philanthropy_ready_guide_final_jan_2023.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | General / Other | G.19 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | How is “community solar” defined? | The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, in which the benefits of a solar project flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. Community solar is a form of solar energy generation that allows community members of all types to access meaningful benefits of renewable energy, including reduced energy costs, low- to moderate-income household access, increased resilience, community ownership, and equitable workforce development and entrepreneurship. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
53 | General / Other | G.20 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Can we expect future rounds of the Community Power Accelerator? if so, when? | Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, we cannot commit to future rounds so we sincerely hope you will apply this round. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
54 | General / Other | G.21 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | What opportunities are there for Tribal organizations who want to get started in community solar? The roles are geared towards developers | We absolutely encourage tribal organizations to apply! Several winners from Round 1 of this prize are working in tandem with tribal organizations. I suggest reaching out to ADL Ventures if you are looking for a development partner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
55 | General / Other | G.22 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | can we use graphics and charts in our submittal, and does that count against the word count? | Great question. They do not count towards word count. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
56 | General / Other | G.23 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | If there is any additional funding in place from a any Federal sources, does that exclude the possibility of winning these here? | No. You can apply for this prize and receive funding from federal sources. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | General / Other | G.24 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | I have reached out to organizations from the CPA Team Database and still would like to partner with CBOs. Can you please suggest where to seek CBOs to partner with? | Please do make a post on our NCSP online platform: https://ncsp.solarinyourcommunity.org/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
58 | General / Other | G.25 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | any other resources for CBOs? Any recommendations for region specific CBOs? | Please do make a post on our NCSP online platform: https://ncsp.solarinyourcommunity.org/. We would also recommend reaching out to our Power Connector, ADL Ventures. You can contact Matt from ADL Ventures at matthew.paul@adlventures.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||
59 | General / Other | G.26 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | When will the findings from the stakeholder interviews be made available? | Some of our stakeholder read-outs are located here: https://www.energy.gov/communitysolar/community-solar-resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||
60 | General / Other | G.27 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | From the 10% low income tax credit adder-'The Treasury Department and the IRS are aware that in some States or jurisdictions it may not be administratively, or legally, possible to apply utility bill savings on residents' electricity bills. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on this issue and how financial benefits, such as services and building improvements, can be provided to residents in such residential buildings.' My question-are there ways to structure benefits to LMI communities that aren't directly on their utility bill? | This is a technical question and we would encourage you to reach out to the National Community Solar Partnership Technical Assistance https://www.energy.gov/communitysolar/technical-assistance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
61 | General / Other | G.28 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | The sign in page is not working on the CPA page. I login and nothing is loading there after. please advise. | You might need to close your browser and reopen. If you're still getting an error, please do send me an email and we will get you sorted out right away! alexandria.robins@ee.doe.gov. You may also need use a different browser. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
62 | Learning Lab | L.1 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | How many people from a team can paricipate in the Learning Lab Training course? | For the Phase 2 Learning Lab, only one team member on your team can participant. For the Intro to Community Solar course that is required for Phase 1, you can have multiple team members take this course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
63 | Learning Lab | L.2 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can we access the Power Accelerator Learning Lab even if we are not selected for the prize ? | There may be opportunities in the future where non-winners can participate in the Community Power Accelerator Learning Lab. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
64 | Learning Lab | L.3 | Email Question - 9/12/23 | What are the enrollment steps/deadline for the learning lab participant? | We will need to know the name and email of the learning lab participant. They will receive an email from the course instructors with more information on the learning lab format, schedule, expectations, etc. We will need to know who is going to participate shortly after winners are selected. In your Phase 1 submission, we will also ask for this information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
65 | Learning Lab | L.4 | Email Question - 9/12/23 | Can the learning lab participant be an intern? | 2. It is preferred that the learning lab participant have some knowledge and/or understanding of community solar development or is very relevant to the team’s project. It is recommended that it is someone on your team who will continue on to develop the projects. They will be an integral part of making sure these projects are ready for financing in Phase 3. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
66 | Learning Lab | L.5 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | How many folks from one organization can enroll in the workshop portion of the Prize? We have one selected but would love the opportunity to have more folks join. | Only 1 person is resonsible for participating - but you are more than welcome to have them join you on the calls and share resources. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
67 | Learning Lab | L.6 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | The learning lab is a great option for those who do not understand community solar projects, but is not a good option for those who have experience and are looking to innovate past the subscription model. Will you make this training optional? | Thank you for the feedback. The lab will not be optional. Because it is a cohort, having people with a variety of different skill sets benefits everyone via peer-to-peer learning thoughout the course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
68 | Learning Lab | L.7 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Where is the lab located? | The learning lab is a virtual, instructuor-led course via Zoom. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
69 | Learning Lab | L.8 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | If one of us has already attended the CPA Learning Lab, is it MANDATORY to register another participant from the organization? | It is not mandatory to send another participant from your organization to the Learning Lab. However, the Learning Lab offers a space where you may learn from other teams who are going through similar processes. If your team has the capacity to send another person, we would recommend sending someone who has not completed the Learning Lab. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
70 | Learning Lab | L.9 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | Can a team have two participants in the Learning Lab? | Unfortunately, only one participant from each organization can attend the Learning Lab. However, we encourage you to share your course materials with your team or have your colleagues attend class with you if you are all on site together. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
71 | Learning Lab | L.10 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | Can multiple team members from the same team attend the learning labs, or is it just limited to one representative per team? | The Learning Lab is limited to one representative per organization. We encourage members attending the Learning Lab to share their course materials with their colleagues and work with their colleagues on the course materials. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
72 | Learning Lab | L.11 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | We had a person that completed the Learning course previously, can we post the results to the portal and begin getting project feedback? | You can upload your projects to the Accelerator platform throughout Phase 2. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
73 | Learning Lab | L.12 | Phase 2 Informational Webinar - 1/22/24 | Will course work be available on UNH for modules in advance? for example, if I want to start on module 1 and 2 course work now, can i? | We will open up Modules ahead of time, but probably not all at once, as we check materials before we go live and also want to ensure that students move through the process together. You can read ahead in the LMI Community Solar Developer Workbook online, which has many of the course videos and resources. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
74 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.1 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Is there a requirement or deadline for how long it takes the awardee to impliment/install the 1 Megawatt solar project? | By Phase 3 of the prize, competitors should be ready to community solar projects with investors and philanthropic organizations. To be eligible for the Phase 3 award, competitors must secure commitments for 100% funding for their portfolio via the Community Power Accelerator platform or another funding source. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
75 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.2 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | If we won a HeroX prize that will help with (but not fully fund) the development of community solar sites, can we include those sites as a part of our portfolio for the Community Power Accelerator application? | Phase 1 should include community solar project developments that are in predevelopment activities and project financing. You can include your projects on the Community Power Accelerator Platform to shop around for investors and philanthropists who can help complete the funding | ||||||||||||||||||||||
76 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.3 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can a University be the lead member of the team while partnering with a community solar developer? | Yes, absolutely! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
77 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.4 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can the university's campus (multiple buildings) be considered a community solar? | Yes, as long as there are two projects total (separate sites) that meet the 1MW minimum | ||||||||||||||||||||||
78 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.5 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Our organiztion has dedicated many hours in the Community PV projects. BUT bisaide is hard to find land to build the system, the electricity coops are resistance to PV. Any comments? | I would suggest joining the NCSP here and apply for member direct technical assistance (which is also available if you apply & win for this prize): https://ncsp.solarinyourcommunity.org/registrations/groups/39758 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
79 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.6 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | It seems that Community Solar as a subscription model, is the only one supported in this grant program. Our cooperative offers real equity and a simpler solution. Is it worth applying for Round 2 if our model is not subscription based? | Yes, this prize welcomes all models as long as they meet the definition of community solar and other requirements in the official rules. https://americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/community-power-accelerator/docs/Community-Power-Accelerator-Prize-Round-2-Rules.pdf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
80 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.7 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can more than one person from one entity join the NCSP? | Yes! Please join here: https://ncsp.solarinyourcommunity.org/registrations/groups/39758 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
81 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.8 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | There was no clear link between credit ready workbook and project info requested online on the site. Please clarify the use of the workbook and checklist and if it is to make our life easier at the financing stage or part of the requirements for application? | The checklist is handy and a condensed verison of what's in the workbook. You will work through the workbook in the learning lab. Although, this will be made public so anyone can use it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
82 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.9 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | When will template for the 2500 words be posted? | You can find the template for the narrative here: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAcceleratorRound2/resource/1380 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
83 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.10 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can you please define "single projects" | Any project that is under 5MW is eligible to submit as part of your portfolio. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
84 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.11 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Will a developer with more projects/MW at submittal that fit the meaningful benefit criteria have a higher likelihood of winning? | Portfolios that exceed the minimum requirements are desirable in Phase 1, but if a competitor’s total portfolio capacity is larger than 1MWDC competitors will be held to this commitment in Phase 2 and Phase 3. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
85 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.12 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can an example be given of what a project that could win the prize look like please | Here are the winners and descriptions from Round 1: https://www.herox.com/CommunityPowerAccelerator/updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||
86 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.13 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Do the two projects need to be in the same community? | No, they do not need to be in the same community. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
87 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.14 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Do you need to already have 2 projects of overall 1MW projects to apply ? | No, your projects should be in the pre development stage | ||||||||||||||||||||||
88 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.15 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | We have not created a website yet for our developer team/projects. Is a website necessary for submission? | Yes, we would like to see the website when you submit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
89 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.16 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Can you provide the link of the Intro To Community Solar Course? Thanks | You can find the link to the Intro course here: https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8C9B44s4UtQOX9s. You can also find this link on page 19 in the Official Rules. https://americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/community-power-accelerator/docs/Community-Power-Accelerator-Prize-Round-2-Rules.pdf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
90 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.17 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | Does a project seeking to unlock untraditional financing for community solar for developers qualify? Or should the project be specifically about the Engineering, Procurement and Construction aspects of community solar only? | Yes. projects who are seeking to unlock traditional financing are eligible and seeking to holistically develop at least 1 MW (2+ projects) of community solar. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
91 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.18 | Informational Webinar Question - 8/8/23 | What is the definition of “Solar co-developer” | A co-developer is anyone who is supporting the development of a CS project. So the LEAD developer might be a community-based organization but the co-developer might be an experienced CS developer. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
92 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.19 | Email question | Where can I find the link to the Intro to Community Solar Course? | You can find the link to the Intro course here: https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8C9B44s4UtQOX9s. You can also find this link on page 19 in the Official Rules. https://americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/community-power-accelerator/docs/Community-Power-Accelerator-Prize-Round-2-Rules.pdf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
93 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.20 | Email question | Can two members take the intro course? | Yes, both team members can take the intro course. Please utilize the same link to sign up. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
94 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.21 | Email question | If we have already taken the Intro course for Round 1, do we need to take it again? | No, you do not need to take the Intro course again if you have already taken it. Please insert the email and date when the course was completed in your submission. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
95 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.22 | Email Question - 9/12/23 | If we know that our projects could certainly deliver three of the five meaningful benefits, is it OK to speak to just those specific three in the narratives? Or are we required to tie the projects to all five benefits? | It is okay to speak to just three out of the Five Meaningful Benefits. Your projects are required to meet two of the five, so not all five are necessary. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
96 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.23 | Email Question - 9/13/23 | And are we correct in thinking that we are allowed to describe projects in the portfolio narrative that we are already working on but are not yet complete? Or does every project have to be not yet started? | Your portfolio narrative should describe both past and current projects, as well as planned projects for the prize. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
97 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.24 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Do we have to have formal MOUs in place for the first phase? We are working with local non profits to hopefully add solar to their roofs but might not have this fully finalized yet by round 1 | You do not need a signed MOU. A signed letter stating intentions is also welcomed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
98 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.25 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Hello! If we were work in LMI areas to build community solar on nonprofit rooftops that benefit those areas, is that a category you are looking to benefit or solely LMI households? | Thank you for the question. That sounds like a great model - we would love to see more community solar built with the support of community non-profits. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
99 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.26 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | Does CPA or DOE provide any project financial modeling resources? | Great question. The learning lab dedicates two weeks to financial modeling. Additionally, Chapter 5 of the credit-ready workbook also covers: https://carsey.unh.edu/center-for-impact-finance/workbook/lmi-community-solar | ||||||||||||||||||||||
100 | Prize Requirements / Technical Questions | P.27 | Informational Webinar Question - 9/19/23 | For funding through the accelorator, how much of it is philanthropic? If not, is the funding typically a loan? Curious to learn more about the types of funding available through the accelorator | Great question! All types of financing are offered via the Accelerator. |