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

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
EPA plans to make up to 60 awards under the competition with three award options to community groups across the US. Image: Pivot Energy.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a US$7 billion grant competition to offer low-income households access to solar energy.

The new grant competition will provide funds to expand existing low-income solar programmes, as well as develop and implement new Solar for All programmes nationwide. EPA plans to make up to 60 awards under the competition with three award options to community groups around the country, representing specific states or territories, American Indian and Alaska Natives, and multi-state programmes.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solar for All programmes enables low-income households to have access to residential rooftop and residential community solar power, by providing financial support and incentives to communities that were previously locked out of investments. Additionally, Solar for All programmes guarantees a minimum of 20% total electricity bill savings for households.

“For too long, overburdened communities on the front lines of the climate crisis have been left behind and locked out of clean energy investments and climate solutions. This historic boost in solar investments will advance millions of residential solar projects nationwide, protect people and the planet, and deliver environmental justice,” said Michael Regan, EPA administrator.

Communities can apply for the grants by 26 September 2023. Eligible applicants to Solar for All programmes include states, territories, tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients. Coalitions led by an eligible lead applicant are also eligible to apply to this competition.

Applicants for all three award options can apply for a small-sized programme (US$25-100 million), a medium-sized programme (US$100-250 million), or a large-sized programme (US$250-400 million).

The latest grants are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“This US$7 billion residential solar programme that I introduced and the EPA is administering is a major step in the right direction. At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, all while dealing with the existential threat of climate change, we must make residential rooftop solar a reality for low-income and working families that need it most,” said US senator for Vermont, Bernie Sanders.

Read Next

July 14, 2025
OpenSolar has launched a new model to help US rooftop solar installers reduce costs and thrive despite the loss of the 30% IRA tax credit.
July 14, 2025
Analyst Wood Mackenzie has forecast that solar PV and wind installations in the US will be 100GW lower than expected between 2025 and 2030 with the removal of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives.
July 8, 2025
Donald Trump has issued an executive order to tighten restrictions on renewable energy tax credits just days after signing his “One, Big Beautiful Bill” act into law, which significantly cut federal support for renewables.
June 30, 2025
Heliene has completed the sale of Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credits in association with Minnesota-based U.S. Bank.
June 30, 2025
Voting on the US tax reconciliation bill is expected to begin in the Senate today, following a draft published on Friday that hit clean energy tax credits hard.
June 25, 2025
First Solar has sold US$311.8 million in tax credits to “a leading financial institution” under the rules set out in the IRA.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK