The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a new competitive grant program worth $7 billion, with the goal of granting low-income communities access to residential solar panels. This initiative is the latest effort by the Biden administration to promote renewable energy and sustainability across the United States.
Under this program, the EPA intends to award up to 60 grants to community groups nationwide, representing specific states, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, as well as multi-state programs. These grants are part of the larger $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was established through the Inflation Reduction Act. The fund seeks to provide “transformational” capital to communities that have been unable to attract investments in clean energy and transportation while bearing the burden of pollution.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This historic boost in solar investments will advance millions of residential solar projects nationwide, protect people and the planet, and deliver environmental justice.”
Regan officially announced the launch of the grant program, named “Solar for All,” during a visit to Vermont, where he joined Independent Senator Bernie Sanders to tour a residential solar project.
These grants will assist communities in developing low-income solar programs, which will provide financial support and technical assistance, including workforce development. The aim is to ensure that low-income households can benefit from rooftop solar installations, including cost savings, community ownership, and energy resilience.
Moreover, the program will guarantee a minimum of 20% savings on total electricity bills for participating households.
Communities interested in applying for the grants have until September 26th to submit their applications. The grant amounts will range from $25 million to $400 million.
In the coming weeks, the EPA plans to launch two additional grant competitions. The first is the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) grant competition, which will provide $14 billion to expand the deployment of renewable technologies at a national scale. The second competition is for the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, which aims to bolster funding through community lenders and will receive $6 billion in funding.
This ambitious push by the EPA and the Biden administration signifies a commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives, ensuring equitable access to clean energy, and fostering a sustainable future for all Americans.
