Solar District Cup alumni have a lot to say about the benefits of this competition!

About solar industry preparation: 

“The interaction with staff at NREL is really awesome. My school doesn't have a ton of professors who are in the clean energy space with the time on their hands to really teach outside of class so having this space to learn the concepts of microgrid technologies and interconnection with people who are experts in the field is amazing. The amount of resources provided really make the learning experience feel true to what the industry expects from us.” 

-Student in Solar District Cup Class of 2023 – 2024

About access to industry tools:

“My favorite aspect of the Solar District Cup was the opportunity to create concept designs using modeling tools such as Aurora Solar and Helioscope. The concept design provided me with valuable insights into how each decision made during the concept design process could potentially influence the overall outcome of the project, making for an enriching learning experience.” 

-Student in Solar District Cup Class of 2023 – 2024 

About building core professional skills:

“Participating in the Solar District Cup offers a multifaceted experience, rich with opportunities for growth and learning. One of the standout aspects is the valuable lesson in time management. Balancing the demands of the competition with other responsibilities requires a disciplined approach to scheduling and prioritization, skills that are critical in professional settings.” 

-Student in Solar District Cup Class of 2023 – 2024 

Are you curious to learn more? Mark your calendar and register to join us for an Informational Webinar on August 15, 4-5 p.m. ET. We'll talk about what students do and learn in the Solar District Cup!   

Please reach out to competition organizers at with any questions or to schedule a 1:1 appointment.