DOE opened the Promoting Registration of Inverters and Modules with Ecolabel (PRIME) Prize, a $2.7 million competition that promotes ecolabel registration to standardize and improve domestic inverter and solar photovoltaic (PV) module sustainability.

The PRIME Prize seeks to increase registration of solar modules and inverters through the EPEAT ecolabel. EPEAT is an ecolabel operated and maintained by the Global Electronics Council for certain electronic products, including solar PV modules and inverters. The prize aims to help manufacturers meet the criteria for EPEAT product standards and make their products more attractive to purchasers with sustainability goals.

Eligibility

The PRIME Prize is open to U.S.-based manufacturing organizations that produce solar PV modules or inverters. Eligible applicants must not have any PV modules or inverters already registered with EPEAT. The PRIME Prize consists of two phases, spanning two and a half years.

How it Works

• Phase 1 “Apply” – Manufacturers submit a letter of intent to register up to four PV module or inverter products through EPEAT and provide proof of participation from GEC for the chance to win $50,000 cash and move to Phase 2.
• Phase 2 “Certify” – Winning manufacturers from Phase 1 validate that their products meet all required EPEAT criteria and submit proof of EPEAT product registration from GEC to compete for $100,000 cash for each product.

In Phase 1, DOE will select up to 21 winning products. In Phase 2, DOE will review submissions and announce winners on a rolling, three-month basis. Winners of Phase 2 will receive $100,000 cash for each product successfully verified and listed on the EPEAT Registry (up to $400,000).