Guide To Solar Energy Grants for Businesses
Solar energy is an investment in a cleaner, brighter future. At Solar Liberty, our team can help you navigate the available solar energy grants that make it more affordable to install solar energy systems that will reduce your long-term utility bills and shrink your carbon footprint down to size. We work directly with NYSERDA’s NY-Sun program to help serve New York residents best. Read on to learn more about your options.
Contact Solar Liberty at 866-807-3639 to speak with our team about your needs and discover which grants are available in your area.
Introduction to Solar Energy Grants
State and federal agencies provide solar energy grants to encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Because they are grants, recipients do not have to repay them. Eligibility varies by each grant, but there are many options available for low-income families, farms, rural communities, Native American tribes, educational institutions, as well as nonprofit organizations.
Benefits of solar energy for homeowners
There are many benefits that homeowners will enjoy when they choose solar for their home, including:
- Lower utility bills
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Increased energy independence
- Protection against blackouts/brownouts
- And more!
Types of Solar Energy Grants
Many local, state, and federal solar energy grants are available for homeowners, tribal organizations, nonprofits, and others in Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. Thus, it’s worth taking the time to research current programs and their eligibility requirements. Some of the programs include:
NYSERDA’s NY-Sun Incentive: NY-Sun works directly with solar contractors and installers to help home and business owners in New York get affordable solutions. They offer educational support and financing options for residential and commercial projects.
Green & Retrofit Program (GRRP): Available for HUD-assisted multifamily housing, the program offers grants of up to $40,000 per unit or $750,000 per property to install solar panel systems.
Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Grants: Available for rural homeowners, cooperatives, for-profit small businesses, and tribal corporations/businesses. These USDA-funded grants are available to cover up to 50% of the cost of purchasing and installing solar systems.
Solar for All: Offered by the EPA, Solar for All will offer grants for companies to provide solar systems to low-income homeowners in disadvantaged communities. While still “on the drawing board,” these grants will be awarded to expand access to low-income applicants. With nearly $7 billion available, it’s worth watching this to see whether grants will be available within your community.
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligibility varies depending on the type of grant and other factors. Among the many considerations that can be included to determine eligibility are structure location, structure age, type of solar system, income, tribal affiliation, type of business, etc. Because each program has specific eligibility requirements, it is necessary to thoroughly research them before applying.
Deadlines are rigid and vary by program. Many end during the summer months, some end at the end of the fiscal year, while others expire at the end of the year. Further, programs expire, and many are replaced with newer, updated programs with different eligibility requirements and deadlines. Thus, it’s always advisable to reach out to a solar energy professional to verify which programs are still active and which may be opening up soon.
How To Apply for Solar Energy Grants
Gathering all the paperwork and information required to qualify for state, local, and federal grants can be challenging. Because of this, we recommend reaching out to organizations like Rural Action. This and other local organizations and nonprofits in your community can help prepare grant applications.
As a general rule, you will need to provide the following to qualify for many grants:
- Proof of income (i.e., tax forms, SSI/SSDI award letters, business records, etc.)
- Proof of residency
- Copies of utility bills
- SNAP/TANF
Tips for Maximizing Grant Opportunities
It’s always best to thoroughly research and identify all available grants, tax incentives, and rebates within your area. As eco-friendly legislation moves through state and federal legislative bodies, considerable funding is available to offset the cost of your solar investment.
Because grant programs tend to have stringent requirements, it’s always best to seek professional assistance with any grant application. At Solar Liberty, our specialists can help you navigate the terms and conditions required for grants you qualify to receive. We will walk you through the process and help ensure you have the documentation and records required to comply with grant requirements.
Why Choose Solar Liberty?
Solar Liberty’s specialists can help you reduce the cost of investing in solar energy for your home, business, or nonprofit organization. For over 20 years, we’ve helped clients throughout Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania reduce their carbon footprint, enhance their energy independence, and lower their utility bills. It’s our pleasure to provide a free solar evaluation for your needs, and you can always depend on the advice, recommendations, and workmanship of our NABCEP-certified solar installers and electricians!
Contact Solar Liberty at 866-807-3639 to learn more about our services and currently available grants that will help you enjoy the cost-effective, reliable, and clean benefits solar energy solutions offer.
