The District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) announced a significant expansion to its Solar for All program, funded by a $62.45 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Solar for All program.
The new investment will allow the District to extend the benefits of solar energy to approximately 12,000 additional low- and moderate-income (LMI) households—building on a program that has already reached nearly 10,000 homes. Since its establishment in 2016 under the Renewable Portfolio Standard Expansion Amendment Act, DC's Solar for All program has delivered an average of $500 in annual electricity bill savings per household, amounting to about $5 million in total yearly savings across the District.
“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 in a DOEE press release.
Over the next five years, the new funding will support the deployment of an estimated 33-43 MW of solar capacity through a mix of rooftop and community solar projects. These projects will be made possible by continued direct incentives to solar developers, and by the creation of a revolving loan fund managed by DC Green Bank and City First Enterprises to provide new financing options for solar installations. These loans and incentives will enable broader participation and allow for critical upgrades to roofs and electrical systems as well.
Alongside expanded solar access, the program will also feature increased support and outreach for residents as well as workforce development opportunities.
For more information about DC's Solar for All program, please click here.