Today, the U.S. Department of Energy officially launched the PRIME Prize. If you're a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and inverters and want to earn EPEAT registration for products, this prize is for you!
The goal of this $2.7 million prize is to help manufacturers meet the high bar for EPEAT product standards and make their products more attractive to purchasers with sustainability goals.
Manufacturers will advance in this prize through the following two phases:
Phase 1
Due April 17, 2025
Submit a letter of intent to certify up to four (4) PV module or inverter products through EPEAT and provide proof of participation from the Global Electronics Council (GEC). Winning manufacturers will gain $50,000 in cash.
Phase 2
Due on a rolling basis from Spring 2026 – Spring 2027
Obtain EPEAT ecolabel registration for designated products and submit proof of registration and listing from GEC. Manufacturer submissions will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling three-month basis beginning one year after the opening of Phase 2. At the end of Phase 2, manufacturers will win $100,000 in cash for each of their intended products that achieve registration, up to $400,000 total.
What’s Next
Here are the next steps for solar PV manufacturers:
- Follow the competition on HeroX, the official prize platform, by clicking the Follow button at the top right corner of this page. This will allow you to receive notifications when updates are posted about this prize.
- Sign up for the informational webinar, taking place Oct. 30 at 12 p.m. ET, to learn what to include in your application, how to submit it on the HeroX prize platform, and more.
- Read the Official Rules to learn more about the prize.
We look forward to seeing you at the Oct. 30 informational webinar!
