To support rapid deployment of affordable and accessible distributed solar, the National Community Solar Partnership+ (NCSP+) offers free, rolling technical assistance that provides the resources needed to swiftly and successfully implement affordable, sustainable distributed solar programs that ensure the meaningful benefits of solar flow to all.
Technical expertise and capacity building represent one of the five National Community Solar Partnership+ initiatives on its Pathway to Success.
Learn about the technical assistance NCSP+ has provided: Technical Assistance Engagement Summaries & Deliverables
What is Technical Assistance?
Technical assistance provides personalized support to organizations deploying low-income-serving solar to help these organizations accelerate implementation, improve the performance of their program or project, increase benefits to program or project participants, and build capacity for future distributed solar development. The Technical Assistance Program connects program participants with industry experts to help them address their most pressing challenges.
NCSP+ Partners can apply for technical assistance support in 5 areas:
- Policy, legislation, and regulation research
- Project financing analysis
- Outreach and engagement strategies
- Program design
- Technical issues
Organizations can receive support in a variety of formats including, but not limited to:
- Consultation on program processes and policies and technical review of proposed plans and models
- Technical and financial analysis and modeling of potential program costs, benefits and impacts
- Custom research such as market studies or third-party white papers
- Custom publications such as toolkits, tip sheets, or case studies
Eligibility
The NCSP+ Technical Assistance Program is open at any time, to any NCSP+ member that is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, however, technical assistance cannot support any activities that are already supported by other Department of Energy funding.
Join the partnership and get involved with equitable distributed solar today.
Process
How to Apply
Step 1: Register to become a partner with the National Community Solar Partnership+ and ensure you meet all other eligibility criteria. If you are already an NCSP+ partner, please begin with Step 2.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Resources’ tab on the NCSP+ Forj site. Navigate to the ‘Quick Links’ box and click on the ‘Technical Assistance Application’ link.
Step 3: Complete the application form. The application includes information about your organization, a brief description (100 words) of the technical assistance you seek, and what steps you have taken so far. If you have any questions while filling out the form, please email [email protected].
Step 4: When the application is complete, press submit. You will receive a confirmation email that your submission has been received. You will be contacted by a representative of NCSP with a decision and next steps.
Collaboratives
Technical assistance is also delivered through collaboratives, working groups of multiple partners seeking to address a similar issue within their industry that could benefit from dedicated peer exchange in addition to support from technical experts. NCSP+ currently supports the States Collaborative, however, Partners are encouraged to suggest and form collaboratives on an ongoing basis. Learn more about NCSP+'s collaboratives.
LODGE Model
The Least-Cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE) model identifies the most cost-effective ways community solar and storage can be sited on the grid, with a focus on minimizing interconnection costs and maximizing deployment. The LODGE model uses data provided by local utilities to identify strategic siting points along the grid that are cost-optimal for interconnecting community solar and storage. Learn how to become a LODGE model pilot partner and stay tuned for more information on a technical assistance program for the model.