Solar Education & Research Fund

The University of Richmond Solar Education & Research Fund supports the ability of UR faculty, staff, and students to conduct projects related to education and/or research on renewable energy, sustainability, and the environment. The aim of the fund is to further integrate sustainability into a UR education and to promote key goals of the University’s Sustainability Plan. We encourage projects that cross disciplines and departments, as well as those that build partnerships within and outside the University. Award amounds will range from $1000-$5000. Funding is made possible by the University’s Spider Solar partner, AES.

Application

Applicants are expected to describe their project, list project outcomes, and explain how project success will be measured. A resume or CV must be uploaded with the application for each team member, along with a proposed budget (not to exceed $5,000) and projected timeline. All awarded projects must report on their outcomes within one year.

For 2023, we seek applications related to education, outreach, and/or research projects in 5 categories:

Renewable & Alternative Energy: Including storage, power grids, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, solar, and wind

Policy & Market: Including energy markets, regulation, policy, and finance

Justice: Including energy and climate justice, community access, and resilience

Engagement: Including communication, data visualization (e.g. energy dashboard), or programming 

Environmental Design: strategies that support ecological health and biodiversity in areas within and surrounding renewable energy facilities