Detroit Evening Report: State announces $320K grant opportunity for community solar projects
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The Energy Unit of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) this week announced new grant opportunities to help address communities’ barriers to clean energy access.
At least $320,000 in funding is projected to be available through the MI Solar Communities – MI Solar Access Program, with individual grant awards available ranging from $80,000-$100,000.
The MI Solar Communities platform provides Michigan residents with information on technical assistance and programs for obtaining solar power within their community, which can be defined by location or as a group of people connected through their electric utility, according to EGLE.
There are financial benefits to this as well. Subscribers receive credits on their electric bills for the portion of the energy generated by their allotted panels, which may be placed on residential or business roofs or located off-site.
Many people want the benefits of solar energy but for a variety of reasons cannot install solar panels where they live. They may rent, have an unsuitable roof, or experience other factors which limit their ability to benefit from renewable energy, according to EGLE.
Michigan currently does not have enabling legislation for community solar, so community solar programs in Michigan are developed and managed through a local electric utility.
Grant applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025, or until funding is expended, whichever comes first. Grantees selected must provide at least a 50% match and must allocate 85%-100% of the total awarded grant funding to households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
Other headlines for Friday, April 12, 2024:
- Registration is now open for Corewell Health Children’s annual Walk for Miracles at the Detroit Zoo.
- Detroit’s Def Sound Studio is positioned to become the first hip-hop recording studio designated as a historical landmark, BridgeDetroit reports.
- Detroit’s own Eminem earned his 10th song in Spotify’s Billions Club with “The Monster,” his 2013 collaboration with Rihanna.
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Wayne Mobile Health Unit are hosting the “Brother… Let’s Talk: A Conversation on Black Men’s Health” symposium on Saturday, April 12 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit.
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