In celebration of Earth Month and in conjunction with the first-ever DC Climate Week, Washington, D.C.’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) announced the expansion of the Solar for All (SFA) program, made possible through a $62.45 million grant award from the EPA’s $7 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The award expands the benefits of solar energy to roughly 12,000 low- and moderate-income (LMI) District households. Made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution and deliver cost savings on electric bills for overburdened households.
Established by the Renewable Portfolio Standard Expansion Amendment Act in 2016, SFA has served nearly 10,000 households to date, providing an average of $500 annual savings on residents’ electric bills and resulting in around $5 million in total annual utility bill savings. DOEE’s $62.45 million award will build on critical local investments to help expand the reach of community and rooftop solar to more District households through deploying 33 to 43 MW of solar energy over the next five years.
“The expansion of the District’s Solar for All Program is vital to the District achieving its clean energy goals, increasing access to solar energy and lowering utility costs for its most vulnerable residents.” said DOEE Director Richard Jackson. “We look forward to the future of Solar for All as the District strives for greener, more livable communities.”
DOEE has been working on the next phase of SFA alongside coalition partners the DC Green Bank, DC Sustainable Energy Utility, City First Enterprises, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Interfaith Power and Light, the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative and Groundswell.
“We’re very excited to continue our valued partnership with DOEE and Solar for All,” said Ben Burdick, interim managing director of the DCSEU. “This program expansion will deepen Solar for All’s positive impact in the District, driving lower energy bills for the District’s most vulnerable residents, reducing emissions and creating more economic opportunities for local businesses and residents.”
SFA will continue to provide financing for the development of solar systems through direct incentives to solar developers for both rooftop systems on single-family homes and community renewable energy facilities (CREFs) that generate credits for community solar subscriptions. The next phase of SFA will add a revolving loan fund administered by DC Green Bank and City First Enterprises to expand financing opportunities for solar deployment in the District. Loans and incentive payments may be used together.
GGRF funding will allow for roof and electrical upgrades through SFA, unlocking solar potential for more homes and buildings. The SFA expansion will also include increased outreach and support to residents as well as workforce development opportunities.
News item from the DOEE
