The American-Made Solar Prize Round 8 is a multi-stage, multimillion-dollar prize competition aimed at fostering innovation within the U.S. solar industry. It seeks to expedite the development and commercialization of solar energy technologies by providing substantial cash prizes and access to a broad network of resources. The competition, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office and managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), connects entrepreneurial teams with over 400 organizations, including national labs, incubators, and clean tech accelerators, to support and accelerate their projects.

Round 8 of the Solar Prize offers a total of over $4.2 million in prizes, which are divided across three primary contests: Ready!, Set!, and Go! Each stage has specific objectives. In the Ready! Contest, 20 winners receive $50,000 each for presenting impactful ideas addressing critical solar industry challenges. The Set! Contest focuses on advancing these solutions into viable proof of concepts, awarding $100,000 to 10 winners. Finally, the Go! Contest aims to push innovations from concept to prototype, with two winners receiving $500,000 each. In addition to cash prizes, participants can also earn vouchers worth up to $900,000 to collaborate with national labs and other facilities for development and testing.

The Solar Prize Round 8 also includes the optional Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest, which offers $200,000 in bonus prizes for solutions that specifically benefit underserved communities. Additionally, the competition features a Power Up Program that supports up to 10 teams that were not selected for the Set! Contest, helping them refine their business plans and compete for industry conference passes. This program is geared towards nurturing promising ideas and providing tailored business support, with a $100,000 prize pool for selected teams.

Eligibility for the competition is broad, welcoming U.S.-based individuals or teams, including students, researchers, small businesses, and faculty members. Competitors must have the drive to turn a conceptual idea into a tangible product or business solution. In addition to cash incentives, participants gain access to the American-Made Network, which offers mentorship, technical support, and connections to potential investors.

The contest is divided into multiple phases, with deadlines and live pitch events marking each stage. Participants advancing through the Set! and Go! stages take part in virtual interviews and demo days, where they present their innovations to industry experts and compete for advancement. The Go! Demo Day, held at the RE+ Conference, serves as the competition's grand finale, allowing finalists to showcase their solutions to a broader audience.

Overall, the Solar Prize Round 8 emphasizes not only financial rewards but also access to a comprehensive support system designed to propel innovative solar technologies towards commercialization. Entrepreneurs interested in participating must review the official rules and guidelines to understand the application process and deadlines, with additional assistance available through Power Connectors and JEDI Power Connector support.