RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Community solar is coming to Nevada thanks to a new federal grant.
For those looking to save on electricity and move towards renewable resources, solar has become the popular option. The panels may save money in the long run, but for many the upfront costs can keep people from being able to afford them. Kirsten Stasio, the CEO for the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, says that a new federal grant from the EPA totaling $156 million could change that.
“Low income and historically underserved communities have been left of that opportunity. Unfortunately, they are also the ones who bear the greatest energy cost burdens and spend a larger portion of their income on energy bills,” Stasio said.
“The Solar For All” grant will now give those low-income residents access to solar energy without the burden of installation costs.
“We will be delivering funds as a combination of a rebate and a loan. That loan is meant to help bridge federal tax credits that covers up to 30-70% of a solar project,” said Stasio.
To make this possible, a concept known as community solar will be used. This is where a non profit or government building hosts a solar project and those around it subscribe at a discounted rate – to a portion of the energy output. The best part is it isn’t just for homeowners.
“With it we’re going to be launching not only programs for community solar, but also programs for single family homes, and affordable multi family housing developments to have solar that benefits their tenants,” Stasio said.
This could be a huge turning point as previously renters have been left out of the solar conversation.
“They don’t necessarily have control over what energy appliances they have in their home, or whether or not they can have roof top solar, so this really helps level the playing field,” said Stasio.
Up until 2021, Nevada law prohibited those who lived in apartments from being able to receive solar on the rooftop of their building. It was Senate Bill 488 that changed that by allowing owners of apartments, multi-family homes, and commercial buildings to take advantage of rooftop solar.
Not including businesses, schools, or tribes, the Nevada Clean Energy Fund hopes to reach at least 20 thousand homes in the next five years, severely reducing Nevada’s energy use. Under the grant, it requires that any household using this program must experience at least a 20% savings in energy costs. The Nevada Clean Energy Fund will actively work to make that number higher by partnering with local governments, schools, and utilities to combine Solar for All funds with federal tax credits to build more projects that share the energy cost savings with low-income households.
For those who want to apply, they can do so in 2025. Until then you can sign up for updates and fill out a solar interest form here.
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