How to approach a Tribal Solar for All project

As part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced Solar for All (SFA), which is a program that provides $7 billion in financial assistance for clean energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-reducing projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Many of the projects eligible for the SFA program are focused on providing assistance to Tribes. These projects give Tribes and Tribal members the opportunity to use and benefit from solar power. By doing this, Tribes all over the country will have opportunities to lower energy bills for members and ensure homes have resilient, clean and reliable electricity.

With this in mind, there are steps that Tribes can take to begin taking advantage of the SFA opportunity.

Step 1: Start getting your team together

• Technical assistance may be provided by the SFA recipients, but shovel-ready projects will likely be prioritized for funding
• Using competitive procurement for additional technical assistance providers or contractors is recommended
• Reach out to minority- or women-owned businesses with relevant expertise

Step 2: Scope your project

• Gather energy usage information for eligible households
• Research similar projects implemented in your area
• Look into mobilizing additional capital through elective (direct) pay energy tax credits, DOE Tribal Home Electrification and Home Appliance Rebate Program funding, low-income housing tax credits, or other federal and state-level funding

Step 3: Develop internal trained workforce

• Reach out to your partners and start having conversations that can inform your Tribe’s or region’s clean energy workforce programming, training and job pathways, and support services, (i.e., transportation, childcare, stipends).
• Access trainings available in your area through the recipients of the DOL Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs