The American-Made Data-Driven Distributed (3D) Solar Visibility Prize is a $175,000 prize designed to incentivize innovators to develop models and algorithms that can provide accurate and real-time information about distributed solar generation in electric power distribution networks. This prize aims to promote awareness and adoption of distribution system state estimation (DSSE) algorithms and software tools to improve the visibility of distribution systems and their operating conditions.
A Prize Competition Structured for Success
Competitors in the 3D Solar Visibility Prize will develop a DSSE tool and be provided with measurements to test them. Competitors will submit their DSSE tool results for two distribution system networks through the Open Energy Data Initiative for solar systems integration (OEDI SI) platform for 14 consecutive days. The OEDI SI team will then compare the DSSE’s performance against a set of industry standard metrics to select the top-performing teams.
The 3D Solar Visibility Prize will award up to $175,000 to five competitors, anticipating two winners and three runners-up. Winners will receive $50,000 each and runners-up will receive $25,000 each.
Throughout the competition, competitors will have access to support from the American-Made Network, a diverse and powerful community of incubators, investors, philanthropists, fabrication facilities, and seasoned industry leaders who provide technical insight, business development expertise, product validation, and more.
Who Can Compete?
U.S.-based institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to compete. In keeping with the goal of growing a community of innovators, competitors are encouraged to form diverse, multidisciplinary teams while developing their concepts.
For full eligibility requirements, please read the official rules.
Part of the GRIT Prize Series
The 3D Solar Visibility Prize is just one impactful component of the new Grid Resource Integration Technologies (GRIT) Prize Series. A joint effort from DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE) and the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), this prize series catalyzes research and development on grid modernization through large-scale integration of renewable technology, distributed resources, and stationary storage.
SETO’s 3D Solar Visibility Prize was launched in conjunction with OE’s Science Synthesis Prize, a competition to expand the renewable energy research community, catalyze transdisciplinary scholarship and practice, and generate new and comprehensive knowledge on the current state of science in renewable integration.
Applicants are encouraged to apply to one or both prizes. Follow the Science Synthesis Prize and 3D Solar Visibility Prize on HeroX for more information on upcoming GRIT Prize Series initiatives.
Important Dates
To prepare for participation in the 3D Solar Visibility Prize, here are the key dates and deadlines you should keep in mind:
Please see the official timeline in HeroX for the most current dates and deadlines. All dates are subject to change, including contest openings, deadlines, and announcements. We highly encourage you to follow the prize on HeroX to receive all future updates and important information about the prize.
Guidelines
Please review the official rules for the complete application process and instructions for competing.
If you want to receive updates on the prize or have any questions, please subscribe by using the follow feature on the HeroX platform or message us directly at .
The 3D Solar Visibility Prize administrators have published a second updated version of the rules document. This version updated the following details:
Added the deadline to upload the executables.
Added details about the network model format.
Added details for the bad data present in the historical measurement sets.
Modified the measurement temporal granularity.
Updated the lower limits for calculating the M_1 metric.
Just under two weeks to go! The submission deadline for the 3D Solar Visibility Prize is Wednesday, July 10, by 5 p.m. ET. Prize administrators highly recommend uploading your submission as early as possible to avoid connectivity issues, technical challenges, or upload delays.
The 3D Solar Visibility Prize aims to enhance the reliability and resilience of electric power distribution networks that have large amounts of solar generation. Competitors will develop models and algorithms that can provide accurate and real-time information about distributed solar generation in electric power distribution networks.
Here's a quick look at what’s next:
July 10: Submissions due.
After submissions are submitted: Competitors are verified as eligible and asked to create a profile on the Open Energy Data Initiative for solar systems integration (OEDI SI) platform, which gives them access to the platform.
July 15 – Aug. 11: Competitors have access to the composite distribution state estimation data.
Aug. 5 – 9, Test Week: Competitors can participate in a distribution system state estimation (DSSE) test week via the OEDI SI platform. This opportunity enables competitors to test their submission process before the actual competition.
Aug. 12 – 25, Competition Period: Competitors will submit their DSSE tool results for two distribution system networks through the Open Energy Data Initiative for solar systems integration (OEDI SI) platform for 14 consecutive days. The OEDI SI team will then compare the DSSE’s performance against a set of industry standard metrics to select the top-performing teams
October (anticipated): Winners are anticipated to be announced. The 3D Solar Visibility Prize will award up to $175,000 to up to five competitors, anticipating two winners and three runners-up. Winners will receive $50,000 each and runners-up will receive $25,000 each.
Don’t forget that Power Connectors are available to provide complimentary support around submission materials. To win part of the prize pool, join the competition today!
Anyone who asked a question during last month’s informational webinar can find the answers to all questions on the HeroX forum page. Find out information on topics such as submitting state estimation codes, penalizing false positives, and more in the forum post titled “Informational Webinar Questions (5/29/24)”. Visit the forum page to see other questions that have been submitted by community members.
Have a question or conversation topic that’s not in the forum? Add it! Click the “New topic” button to add your question. It’s probable that other teams have the same question and prize administrators are happy to clear up any confusion ahead of the competition start date. Alternatively, you can submit questions to .
Don’t forget that the deadline to show your intent to compete is July 10 at 5 p.m. ET. Make sure you fill out your submission form in advance!
Did you miss the Data-Driven Distributed (3D) Solar Visibility Prize Information Webinar? You can now view the webinar recording and slides. Stream it now!
During the webinar, prize administrators covered details about the 3D Solar Visibility Prize, including:
Prize goals
Eligibility
Updated rules
Submission requirements
And more
Additionally, prize administrators answered questions from the audience during the webinar. Still have questions? Email or post in the public HeroX forum to ask questions and spark questions with fellow community members.
Remember, the deadline to enter the 3D Solar Visibility Prize is July 10.
The 3D Solar Visibility Prize administrators have published an updated version of the rules document. After receiving some questions, we have updated the metrics that will be used in the competition to make them simpler.
As a reminder, there is an informational webinar today, May 29, where prize administrators will review competition goals, structure, and changes to the rules. Plus, we’ll be answering your questions during a live Q&A session. We recommend reviewing the updated rules document prior to the webinar.
