Big news for solar energy and community solar in Indiana: Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced 60 grantees that will receive $7 billion in awards through the Solar for All grant competition to deliver residential solar projects to over 900,000 households nationwide. The grant competition is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which created EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

An application from the Indiana Community Action Association, Inc. (IN-CAA) was selected to receive more than $117 million in funding.

“SFA Indiana (SFAI) is a coalition of municipal governments and community entities in Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, and Columbus, combined with six statewide organizations. The coalition will collectively solarize low-income homes while transforming the market in Indiana by creating new financial products and incentives that jumpstart solar for low-income residents, new affordable housing developments, and more. In dialogue with utility companies, and in tandem with school-to-work industry development efforts, the coalition is committed to leading toward solar in Indiana from the grassroots upward.”

From the EPA press release:

“Solar is the cheapest form of electricity—and one of the best ways to lower energy costs for American families,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “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.”

“Residential solar electricity leads to reduced monthly utility bills, reduced levels of air pollution in neighborhoods, and ultimately healthier communities, but too often low-income and disadvantaged communities have been left out. Today’s announcement will invest billions to ensure that affordable housing across the U.S. can access solar and increase energy efficiency and climate resilience,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “HUD is honored to have played a key role in today’s monumental announcement, which will provide meaningful household savings to households in low-income and disadvantaged communities, reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, and deliver electricity during grid outages for low-income households.”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 2024, “Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7 Billion Solar for All Grants to Deliver Residential Solar, Saving Low-Income Americans $350 Million Annually and Advancing Environmental Justice Across America”

With a community solar law in Indiana that would allow independent community solar projects, this funding could unlock clean energy for low- and middle-incoming communities across the state.

Community solar would allow Hoosiers who can’t install panels on their roof, like renters or those with unsuitable roof space, to enjoy the perks of solar energy. By subscribing to a local solar farm, residents would receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. This could translate to savings of 10-15% on their energy costs. Furthermore, community solar farms would bolster Indiana’s clean energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a healthier environment.

Today’s announcement is an exciting reminder of the ongoing expansion of solar energy nationwide and here in Indiana—and the potential we have to bring clean energy to all Hoosiers.