Solar Photo Competition: Hit Me with Your Sun Shot
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office is in search of the best photos of solar energy with the American-Made Solar Photo Competition: Hit Me with Your Sun Shot. Solar energy plays an important role in powering the country’s future and achieving a zero-carbon energy supply. This photo competition brings attention to and documents solar energy’s importance in the clean energy transition. Winners of the competition can earn up to $2,500 for a photo in one of the eight categories.
Capture What Solar Means to You
The Solar Photo Competition is seeking photos in the following categories:
- Solar and Weather - Capturing the interplay between solar technology and various weather conditions.
- Solar Workforce and Installation - Showcasing members of the solar workforce and individuals and teams behind solar installations.
- Concentrating Solar-thermal Power (CSP) – Showing CSP systems, their mechanism, and the innovations of this solar sector.
- Research Processes, Solar Technologies in Detail, and Manufacturing – Highlighting the research, development, and manufacturing processes behind cutting-edge solar technology.
- Utility Scale, Commercial Solar, and Grid Integration – Showcasing large-scale solar installations, including those visibly integrated into utility grids.
- Community Solar/Multifamily Housing - Capturing the role solar plays in community sustainability through shared solar initiatives and solar-integrated multifamily housing.
- Residential Solar – Photos capturing solar installations of residential properties.
- Agriculture and Solar, Solar in Nature, Solar and Wildlife – Showcasing the coexistence of agriculture and solar power and/or how solar projects interact with local wildlife.
All professional and amateur photographers are encouraged to submit their photos. All photos must be taken within the United States or U.S. territories.
All photos must be submitted through the HeroX website. Read the official rules document for more details.
Shoot Your Sun Shot
Submissions will be judged based on emotional appeal and impact, composition, content, technical quality, and originality. Each category will have two awards: one winner and one runner-up. There will also be two overall grand prize winners and up to 200 honorable mentions. The following amounts will be awarded to each winner:
- Grand Prize: $2,500
- Category Winners: $1,000
- Category Runner-Ups: $500
Important Dates
Please see the official timeline in HeroX for the most current dates and deadlines. All dates are subject to change, including deadlines and announcements.
View the timeline and sign up for updates on the HeroX page
Ready to Get Started?
Are you ready to share your creativity while bringing attention to solar’s role in the clean energy transition? Join the challenge by following the Solar Photo Competition on HeroX, the official prize platform.
Follow the Prize