US Announces USD 7 Billion Solar Grant Program on Earth Day

As the world celebrates Earth Day, the Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled an initiative aimed at delivering solar energy to over 900,000 households across the United States. 

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of 60 recipients who will receive a total of USD 7 billion in grant awards through the Solar for All program.

Funded by President Biden's Investing in America agenda, the initiative is part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which established the EPA's USD 27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The goal is to empower low-income and disadvantaged communities by providing access to distributed residential solar, thereby reducing energy costs, creating jobs, advancing environmental justice, and combatting climate change.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, "Today we're delivering on President Biden's promise that no community is left behind by investing USD 7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities."

John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, highlighted the economic benefits, stating, "Solar is the cheapest form of electricity—and one of the best ways to lower energy costs for American families."

The initiative has garnered bipartisan support, with US Senator Bernie Sanders stating, "The Solar for All program will not only combat the existential threat of climate change by making solar energy available to working-class families, it will also substantially lower the electric bills of Americans and create thousands of good-paying jobs."

The EPA estimates that the program will result in over USD 350 million in annual savings on electric bills for households in overburdened communities, while reducing 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over five years.

Furthermore, Solar for All aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal climate and clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities. All funds awarded through the program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The initiative also aims to create jobs and expand workforce development programs, with an estimated 200,000 jobs projected to be generated across the country. Additionally, at least 35 percent of selected applicants have engaged local or national unions, emphasizing the importance of strong labor standards in building a clean energy economy.

The Solar for All program will serve households in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and territories, including Tribal communities. By overcoming financial barriers and providing support for siting, permitting, and interconnection, the program seeks to make solar energy accessible to all.

Among the selected recipients, innovative projects are already underway, such as the installation of solar and battery systems in storm-prone areas like Athens, Georgia, and the deployment of solar systems in Tribal communities like the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.