Innovation at SCALE Webinar Recap

Sept. 17, 2024 by Kamyria Coney, NREL

The SEIN Innovation at SCALE webinar featured SEIN projects and Innovation at SCALE examples and highlighted the types of assistance provided through this initiative. SEIN works with diverse, multistakeholder teams to address real-world challenges in distributed solar energy deployment. SEIN supports project teams in overcoming barriers and sharing solutions that can benefit communities across the United States.

What makes Innovation at SCALE stand out is its focus on local innovation. The program doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it tailors its approach to meet the unique needs of each participant. Innovation at SCALE takes SEIN projects developed through the program and offers those as initial project blueprints that other communities can adapt to their contexts through community-focused assistance. Within Innovation at SCALE, NREL and partner organizations are offering targeted technical and analytical assistance to help communities overcome barriers to solar adoption and find their path to solar in a just and equitable way.

Technical Assistance Supports Community Goals for Solar Energy

While Innovation at SCALE does not provide direct funding, the initiative offers tailored technical support. This could include everything from helping navigate regulatory challenges and financial planning to assessing solar potential and engaging with utilities. Here are some examples of Innovation at SCALE assistance.

Michigan City, Indiana

NREL researchers assisted the city’s sustainability commission in navigating potential solar projects in Washington Park and Zoo. By acting as a liaison between the city and utility, SEIN enabled Michigan City to secure nearly $100,000 for solar feasibility studies and site analysis.

Florida Memorial University

Florida Memorial University, a historically Black university in Miami Gardens, Florida, aspired to become a role model for solar power and resilience across its campus. Using NREL’s REopt^® modeling tool, SEIN provided a solar potential and resilience hub assessment for campus buildings, helping Florida Memorial University identify the most promising opportunities for solar.

National Grid, Massachusetts

This utility sought to develop community-level energy resilience for marginalized communities. In collaboration with NREL, National Grid explored categories of resilient solutions that could serve as models for community-focused energy assets.

How To Request Assistance

Throughout the webinar, NREL researchers emphasized the importance of community-driven innovation in advancing equitable solar solutions across the country. If you're interested in exploring how Innovation at SCALE can support your solar journey, request assistance on the SEIN Innovation at SCALE webpage.

This assistance is provided at no cost; however, the number of assistance opportunities is limited, so submit requests as soon as possible. There will be several periods of assistance. If you miss a deadline, please check the Innovation at SCALE website and apply during the next application period.

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