The women-led coalition seeks to make residential solar energy affordable for low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2023
The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF), America’s first local, non-profit green bank and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), announced today its application for $250 million from EPA’s Solar For All $7 billion grant competition. SELF is the lead applicant of the women-led Florida Solar For All Coalition (the Coalition), alongside partners Solar United Neighbors of Florida (SUN) and The Nature Conservancy in Florida (TNC).
The EPA’s historic Solar for All grant competition aims to expand solar access and benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities and households across the United States with 60 awards to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofits. The Florida Solar For All Coalition plans to benefit more than 14,500 households over the five-year program period to save low-income households approximately $245,000,000 in electricity bills over the next 25 years.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in our communities and catalyze a just and inclusive transition to a clean energy economy. If this funding is awarded, the Coalition will transform communities that have been historically underinvested. Providing access to clean, reliable energy will save residents money, reduce carbon emissions to advance the US climate goals, and increase safety during extreme weather events” said Duanne Andrade, SELF’s Executive Director.
The Coalition’s proposed program will offer a range of subsidies, loans, and leases to Florida residents for rooftop solar. The proposal also features support for resilient solar systems that provide back-up electricity through battery storage on low-income multifamily buildings and a solar workforce development apprenticeship program.
“This opportunity will unlock energy equity for Florida’s most vulnerable communities and create a more vibrant, resilient energy landscape for our state,” shared Heaven Campbell, SUN’s Florida Program Director.
“Our proposal sets a path to accelerate the clean energy transition in Florida, with transformative benefits for emissions reductions, resilience, economic opportunity, and household energy savings,” added Morgan Higman, Climate Strategy Director of TNC in Florida.
The non-profit organizations that form this coalition have long-standing, unique experiences advancing climate equity and environmental stewardship. Since 2010, SELF has financed over $34 million for 3,400 sustainable and climate-resilient projects, leveraging over $100 million in total project value. SUN is the most experienced solar community organizer and educator in the nation, with extensive experience deploying solar throughout Florida, helping thousands of homeowners, non-profits, and small businesses go solar. TNC has operated in Florida for more than 60 years, supporting community engagement and empowerment, environmental and climate policy, and science-backed projects with tangible benefits for Florida communities.
The Coalition’s application received 60 letters of support from a diverse array of stakeholders, including local government, community-based organizations, public universities, financial institutions, and industry affiliates.
EPA plans to release funding decisions in Spring 2024 with awards flowing in July 2024.
Additionally, SELF participated in several major coalition applications for NCIF and CCIA funds.
If you are a property owner or a property provider seeking to benefit from Florida Solar For All funds, or an organization or local government interested in receiving more information, please visit our website at Florida Solar For All – Solar and Energy Loan Fund.
About SELF: The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) is a nonprofit green bank – CDFI that finances sustainable property improvements. Through innovative and equitable financing solutions, SELF empowers homeowners, contractors, landlords, and affordable housing developers to implement energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and renewable energy projects, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and creating green jobs and a more equitable and sustainable future. For more information, visit https://solarenergyloanfund.org/.
About SUN: Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Florida and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
About TNC: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global, science-based non-profit working to address the greatest threats to nature and people. In Florida, TNC’s Inspiring Climate Action strategy is focused on projects and policies to reduce emissions while promoting innovation, equity, and resilience.