Problem

Design and model a distributed solar + storage energy system for a mixed-use campus or district served by a common electrical feeder, maximizing energy offset and financial savings while addressing aesthetic, infrastructure, and community considerations.

Requirements and Constraints

 

• Multidisciplinary student teams (engineering, finance, urban planning, sustainability, communications, etc.)

• Assume role of solar developer: produce conceptual design, financing, and development plan for a solar + storage proposal

• Use training from NREL/industry experts and industry-leading design & financial modeling tools (provided free)

• Submit Progress Deliverable mid-year and Final Deliverable Package via HeroX

• Present solutions live at an online event

• Proposals judged on energy offset, financial savings over system life, and integration of site-specific and community factors

Expected Deliverables

• Progress Deliverable Package (mid-competition) – for feedback

• Final Deliverable Package (April 2026)
  – All deliverables submitted through the HeroX competition platform

Reward

Recognition by industry judges; winners selected per division based on proposal quality

Target Business Relationship

Commercial Agreement

Deadline

Wednesday 1 Apr 2026

Owner

HeroX competition platform

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