USA Scholarships
A1 Solar Scholarship 2027 - $1,000 Climate Award
The A1 Solar Scholarship is a U.S. college award sponsored by A1 SolarStore, an online solar equipment retailer that uses each season to spotlight student ideas for fighting climate change. Season 3 challenged applicants to submit a Solar Pitch video, drew 721 applicants from 48 states and more than 300 institutions, and paid $1,000 to support the winner''s education. Eligibility stays narrow on purpose: you must be enrolled at a U.S. college or university with a major or academic focus tied to sustainability, climate, or renewable energy. International students outside the U.S. cannot apply. Season 3 video entries were due November 9, 2025 with winners announced December 29, 2025. Watch a1solarstore.com for the next theme, because the 2027 cycle will likely reopen with fresh instructions sent to your email after you register interest.
What is the A1 Solar Scholarship?
The A1 Solar Scholarship is A1 SolarStore way of putting student climate ideas in front of a national audience while funding one winner each season. The retailer sells solar panels and inverters online, yet the scholarship reads more like a startup pitch contest than a traditional GPA award. Season 3 turned that up a notch with a Solar Pitch video brief, and more than seven hundred students responded from forty-eight states.
Past winners show the range A1 SolarStore wants to see. Michael Schoff at Dartmouth used Season 1 funds for electrical engineering coursework focused on renewable energy. Season 2 highlighted high school and community college projects tied to water conservation and ocean monitoring. Gabriel Boyd at Purdue won Season 3 with an Electrocean startup concept that blends clean tech with real business momentum. The common thread is a specific idea, not a generic essay about caring about the planet.
For the 2027 cycle, assume the sponsor will publish a fresh theme on a1solarstore.com once Season 3 publicity wraps. Sign up early so you receive email instructions, block time to shoot or write before a likely November deadline, and keep [email protected] handy if your team needs format clarifications. Even if you miss the top prize, finishing a tight pitch video is portfolio material for internships with solar installers, utilities, or climate nonprofits.
Eligibility
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✓Currently enrolled at a U.S. college or universityA1 SolarStore restricts the scholarship to students enrolled at U.S.-based institutions. You cannot apply from a high school alone or from a university outside the United States, even if you are a U.S. citizen studying abroad.
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✓Major or focus in sustainability, climate, or renewable energyYour degree program or active research should connect to eco-related fields such as environmental science, renewable energy engineering, climate policy, or solar technology. Undeclared students without coursework in those areas are unlikely to fit the season brief.
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✓Willing to follow the season themeEach season uses a different creative format. Season 1 asked for essays on climate futures, Season 2 focused on project essays, and Season 3 required a Solar Pitch video. You must follow whatever theme A1 SolarStore publishes for the next cycle.
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✓Team projects allowed with one lead applicantYou may submit a team idea, but the application must name one student as the main applicant. If selected, the $1,000 goes to that individual to support their education.
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✓Good standing at your institutionWinners in past seasons were active undergraduates balancing coursework and startups or research. Expect the sponsor to verify enrollment before sending prize money to your school or account.
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✓No international enrollment outside the U.S.The FAQ on the official page states clearly that students outside U.S.-based institutions cannot apply, even if the project focuses on global climate issues.
Benefits
- Scholarship amount $1,000 (Season 3 confirmed)
- Payment use Education costs at your U.S. school
- Public recognition Featured on A1 SolarStore site
- Application fee Free sponsor form
- Multi-year tuition Single-season partial award
- International study abroad U.S. enrollment required
Document checklist
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✓A1 Solar Scholarship application signupStart on a1solarstore.com/solar-scholarship-to-fight-climate-change.html and submit the application form for the active season. Video instructions arrive by email after you apply, per the sponsor FAQ.
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✓Season video pitch or essay submissionSeason 3 required a Solar Pitch video by November 9, 2025. Earlier seasons used written essays on climate impact. Match the format announced for the 2027 cycle when it opens.
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✓Project description and impact statementFinalists are judged on creativity, relevance, and impact of the idea. Name the problem, your proposed solar or clean-energy solution, and who benefits if the project succeeds.
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✓School affiliation detailsInclude your university, class year, and field of study so reviewers can confirm U.S. enrollment and eco-related focus.
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✓Team roster if applicableWhen multiple students collaborate, list teammates but designate one main applicant who will receive the scholarship funds if selected.
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✓Contact email for follow-up questionsA1 SolarStore asks applicants to email [email protected] with questions. Keep the same address active after you submit in case reviewers need clarifications.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
How much is the A1 Solar Scholarship?
Season 3 listed total funds of $1,000 for the winning student. Season 1 paid $1,000 toward tuition at Dartmouth College for the winner. Future seasons may announce a different amount, but recent cycles used the $1,000 figure.
Who is eligible for the A1 Solar Scholarship?
You must be a currently enrolled college student at a U.S.-based institution with a major or academic focus related to sustainability, climate, or renewable energy. High school-only applicants and students at foreign universities are not eligible.
Does the A1 Solar Scholarship require a video?
Season 3 required a Solar Pitch video with instructions emailed after application. Earlier seasons used essays instead. Check the live A1 SolarStore page for the format before you start production work.
Can high school students apply for the A1 Solar Scholarship?
No. The official FAQ limits the award to enrolled college students at U.S. institutions. High schoolers should bookmark the page and apply once they begin undergraduate study in an eco-related field.
Can international students outside the U.S. apply?
No. A1 SolarStore states the scholarship is only for students enrolled at U.S.-based institutions, regardless of citizenship.
How are A1 Solar Scholarship winners chosen?
Finalists are selected based on creativity, relevance, and impact of the submitted idea. Season 3 emphasized video pitches about solar energy solutions that could scale beyond campus.
How do I contact A1 SolarStore about the scholarship?
Email [email protected] with questions about eligibility, team submissions, or technical requirements for video uploads.
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