UI Home Energy Challenge – The Power of Solar Energy
What is the UI Home Energy Challenge – Power of Solar Energy Edition?
The UI Home Energy Challenge is a program for families with K-12 students living in an UI Connecticut town. This fun and easy project invites students to explore the transformation of radiant energy (light) to thermal energy (heat). All materials needed to participate in the UI Home Energy Challenge are included in the kit provided by UI.
Once registered, we will provide students with one kit per family that includes the materials needed and a guide on how to complete the tasks in the UI Home Energy Challenge. Each kit is limited to a total of (4) registered students per household and all work must be completed individually.
What is in the UI Home Energy Challenge kit?
- Project Guide
- 12 x 12 x 2 pizza box
- 2 sheets black construction paper
- 1 skewer
- Aluminum foil (4 sheets)
- Transparency sheet (2)
- Thermometer (for up to 200 F)
- 10 Solar Beads
- Lanyard for bracelet
Materials Students Will Need to Gather:
- Scissors or safety shears
- Tape
- Newspaper, scrap paper, or other “insulation” material
- Other recycled, household, or “found” materials to enhance solar over design
What will the students learn?
The UI Home Energy Challenge and accompanying lessons about home energy conservation and efficiency will engage families in learning how everyday choices at home can make a difference in energy use. Using the lessons and tools provided by UI, families will first explore how radiant energy can transform into chemical energy with the UV solar beads. The second activity will demonstrate how radiant energy can be transformed into thermal energy (heat) in a solar oven.
Families are encouraged to share photos during the UI Home Energy Challenge by posting photos of them working on their projects on their parents’ social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram) using #UIHomeEnergyChallenge, and tagging us @UnitedIlluminating*
*Posting on social media doesn’t increase your chances of winning.
Eligible towns
The UI Home Energy Challenge is open to all families with K-12 students in towns served by UI in Connecticut (click on “List of Eligible Communities,” below).
Rules & registration
Registration for the UI Home Energy Challenge runs from April 1, 2026, at 12:01 am ET to April 21, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Task Entries and Entry Forms must be received no later than April 29, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
For more information, email info@homeenergychallengeUI.com or call 1-800-674-8243 X4.
There is no Judging
All completed projects that follow the rules & instructions have a chance to win!
Parents can register their kids using the form below. They will then receive a confirmation email with project and submission instructions.
Prizes
Three winners will be randomly selected to win
one of three Amazon gift cards:
One $350 Amazon gift card
One $200 Amazon gift card
One $100 Amazon gift card
Registration
Register for the UI Home Energy Challenge – The Power of Solar Energy Edition
Registration for the UI Home Energy Challenge runs from April 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. ET and ends on April 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. A parent or guardian 18 years or older must register students. After your registration has been received, you will receive an email explaining the submission instructions. For additional information or questions, email info@homeenergychallengeUI.com.
Submission
After your registration has been received, you will receive an email explaining the submission instructions.
1. Complete the project included in the kit
2. Take a photo of students working on the project and post on social using the provided hashtag
3. Email or mail the final form to be entered to win – include photos with the final form
Task Entries and Entry Forms must be received no later than April 29, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Email: info@homeenergychallengeUI.com
Mail:
UI Home Energy Challenge
ATTN: Joseph Pymm
P.O. Box 206
Fairfield, CT 06824
FAQ
