US launches US$7 billion grant competition to fund residential solar

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a $7 billion grant competition to bring solar energy to low-income households.

The new grant competition will provide funding for the expansion of existing low-income solar programs as well as the development and implementation of new "Solar for All" programs across the country. EPA plans to award as many as 60 awards in the competition, with three award options going to national community groups representing specific states or territories, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and interstate projects.

The Solar for All program makes residential rooftop and residential community solar accessible to low-income households by providing financial support and incentives to communities that were previously excluded from investment. Plus, the Solar for All program guarantees savings of at least 20% on your home's total electricity bill.

Communities must apply for grants by September 26, 2023. Eligible applicants for the Solar for All program include state, territory, tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients. Coalitions led by qualified principal applicants are also eligible to apply for participation in this competition.

Applicants for all three award options may apply for small projects ($250-100 million), medium-sized projects ($1-250 million) or large-scale projects ($2.5-400 million).

The latest grant is part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“This $7 billion residential solar program that I initiated and is administered by the EPA is an important step in the right direction. As people struggle to make ends meet while addressing the existential threat of climate change, we must of low-income and working households provide residential rooftop solar,” said U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.