The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant initiative aimed at providing residential solar projects to over 900,000 households across the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that 60 selectees will receive $7 billion in grant awards through the Solar for All competition, funded by President Biden's Investing in America agenda.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "Today we're delivering on President Biden's promise that no community is left behind by investing $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 significance of the investment, stating, "Today's announcement of EPA's Solar for All awards will mean that low-income communities, and not just well-off communities, will feel the cost-saving benefits of solar thanks to this investment."
The initiative, supported by various government agencies and officials, aims to lower energy costs for families, create job opportunities, advance environmental justice, and combat climate change. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders expressed his support for the program, emphasizing its benefits for working-class families and the economy.
The Solar for All program is expected to generate over $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for low-income households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly. Additionally, the initiative will create an estimated 200,000 jobs across the country and help advance the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to creating a clean energy economy.
The selected applicants for the Solar for All grants have committed to reducing climate and air pollution, delivering benefits to low-income communities, and mobilizing financing for affordable solar energy deployment. The program will prioritize investing in low-income and disadvantaged communities, aligning with President Biden's goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.
The initiative will expand existing low-income solar programs and launch new ones, with a focus on increasing access to solar for Tribes and underserved communities. Through this effort, households in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and territories will benefit from residential solar projects.
The EPA anticipates finalizing awards to selected applicants in the summer of 2024, with projects expected to commence later in the year. The agency will also host informational webinars to provide transparency and engage with the public on the Solar for All program.
The Solar for All initiative represents a significant step towards advancing environmental justice, reducing energy costs for low-income Americans, and combating climate change through the widespread adoption of solar energy in communities across the nation.
