Solar for All Program: Overview & State-Level Guide

What is the Solar for All Program?

The Solar for All program, created by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in 2024 and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, was launched with a total funding pool of $7 billion to significantly expand solar energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 30 million metric tons, and create an estimated 200,000 energy jobs across the U.S. 

Following its launch, a flurry of activity occurred, as a significant number of U.S. States, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations filed applications to receive funding and launch local Solar for All programs. 

Following President Trump’s inauguration to office, a executive order placed a freeze on federal grants, loans and aid, which affected the flow of Solar for All funding. The portal that disburses funds to the organizations who had begun to design, launch and roll out programs was no longer available, leaving these organizations with uncertainty and some financial commitments they were unable to support during the freeze.  

In February 2025, this funding freeze was overturned by two federal judges, and access to the funding portal was re-instated, once again enabling Solar for All programs to bring renewable energy to underserved communities, providing economic savings and environmental benefits. 

As long as funds remain unfrozen and available, Solar For All can continue to flourish. Understanding funding opportunities and state-specific variations is essential to make the most of this transformative initiative.

This guide offers an overview of the Solar for All program, explains how its funding works, lists grant recipients by state, and explores how tools like MyHEAT solar maps can maximize its impact.

Did you know?

The Solar for All program is projected to benefit over 900,000 low-income households, creating approximately $400 in annual savings per household?

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The Solar for All program is a federally supported initiative aimed at increasing access to renewable energy for underserved and low-income communities. The program focuses on reducing energy costs, improving environmental outcomes, and promoting equitable energy access. By addressing these areas, Solar for All bridges the gap for communities historically excluded from renewable energy benefits.

Main Goals of Solar for All

  • Increase solar access for low-income households.
  • Provide financial and technical assistance for solar installations.
  • Enhance workforce development opportunities for solar installers.

Impact of Solar for All

  • Energy Cost Reduction: By integrating solar projects, the program helps lower energy bills for families.
  • Environmental Improvement: It supports cleaner energy solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The initiative also focuses on community solar projects, residential rooftop installations, and engaging key stakeholders, including tribal governments on tribal lands. By doing so, it aims to offer meaningful benefits to disadvantaged communities, helping them save on energy expenses while promoting a healthier environment.

The table below summarizes key aspects of the Solar for All Program:

Key AspectsDetails
Target GroupsLow-income and disadvantaged households
Support ProvidedFinancial and technical assistance
Environmental BenefitsReduced greenhouse gas emissions
Energy Cost BenefitsLower energy costs for households


Through this program, individual communities across America can gain access to the benefits of solar energy.

How Solar for All Funding Works

The Solar for All initiative is supported by the $7 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which directs resources to solar programs nationwide. Funding is distributed through a structured process outlined in a formal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), ensuring grants are allocated effectively to eligible entities.

Below is an overview of EPA’s Solar for All funding program and how it works:

Key Aspects of Solar for All Funding

Funding and grants

  • Total allocation: $7 billion under the Solar for All initiative.
  • Grant range: $25 million to $249 million, supporting up to 60 projects.
  • Beneficiaries: Over 900,000 low-income households.

Eligibility

  • Applicants: States, U.S. territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Format: Open to individual and coalition applicants to accommodate diverse community needs.

Program objectives

  • Emission reductions: Targeting 30 million metric tons of CO₂, equivalent to removing 7 million cars annually.
  • Cost savings: Reducing household energy bills by $400 annually.
  • Expanding access: Prioritizing regions without existing low-income solar programs.

Funding uses
Grants support a wide range of solar initiatives, including:

  • On-site and community solar installations.
  • Energy storage for greater reliability.
  • Workforce training for sustainable solar adoption.
  • Technical assistance to overcome local challenges.

Who is Eligible for Solar for All Funding?

Solar for All funding is aimed at making solar energy accessible to low-income households. Eligibility often depends on income limits set by regional guidelines. These limits vary by state, with each state setting its own criteria based on local economic conditions. Here’s a quick look at eligibility considerations:
Eligibility Factor Description
Income-based eligibility Varies by state; must meet specific income thresholds.
Regional variations States adjust guidelines based on local economic factors.
Targeted areas Focuses on demographic and geographic needs, like rural regions.

The program emphasizes outreach to underserved and vulnerable communities, ensuring equitable access to solar energy. This involves identifying disadvantaged areas where residents could benefit most from solar installations. Key strategies include:
  • Providing financial assistance to reduce upfront costs.
  • Engaging tribal and low-income communities through tailored communications.
  • Offering technical assistance and workforce development opportunities.
These efforts ensure that Solar for All reaches American communities that need it most, providing them with meaningful benefits and support.

How to Apply for Solar for All Funding

The Solar for All grant funding application period closed on September 26, 2023. On April 22, 2024, the EPA announced 60 grant recipients, sharing $7 billion to implement programs across all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. Final awards were made by September 30, 2024, and programs are now being rolled out.

While the Solar for All grant funding application is closed, communities, organizations, and individuals can access state-level funding allocated through these grants. How the grants are utilized and how to apply for funding or participate in programs varies by state. States are tailoring their programs to address unique needs, with some offering initiatives like grants for solar installations, low-interest loans, bill credit programs, or workforce development.

To learn how to access funding in your state:

  • Contact your state’s energy office or program administrators.
  • Subscribe to newsletters and updates from your state’s energy programs.
  • Watch for public input opportunities as states finalize their plans.

These programs aim to expand access to solar energy for low-income and historically underserved communities. Stay engaged to understand how you or your community can benefit from state-level initiatives.

Solar for All Funding by State

The Solar for All program is a federal initiative aimed at increasing solar energy access across various U.S. states. Each state manages its own program details, offering unique incentives and partnerships to encourage solar adoption.

Below is a high-level overview of Solar for All grant funding recipients by state:

Solar for All in Alaska

Alaska received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program. The Alaska Energy Authority has partnered with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) to deploy solar photovoltaic infrastructure across the state, spanning from urban, residential projects to community-scale, rural projects.

Solar for All in Arizona

Arizona received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program’s incentive structure is aligned with program goals to encourage participation, emphasizing community solar projects that serve entire neighborhoods. SFA Arizonans will create multiple innovative market mechanisms that accelerate distributed solar deployment in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Solar for All in Arkansas

Arkansas received $93,670,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by Hope Enterprise Corporation (HEC). HEC will advance affordable and resilient solar energy access for low-income and disadvantaged households across Arkansas, utilizing a residential rooftop solar leasing market approach and a multifamily building program.

Solar for All in California

California received $249,800,000 for its Solar for All Program (CA-S4A). The state’s program will leverage California’s transformation of the market for solar energy to reach homes and businesses statewide that are most in need of affordable, reliable clean energy. It will expand current efforts, address funding gaps, and build new programmatic capacity.

Solar for All in Colorado

Colorado received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program (COS4A). The program will provide single-family rooftop solar and multifamily rooftop solar across the state. The EPA’s SFA grant will complement the robust solar market in Colorado by enabling the state to increase the number of communities benefiting from distributed solar investments.

Solar for All in Connecticut

Connecticut was awarded $62,450,000 for its Solar for All program. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the initiative focuses on financial assistance for solar and storage, as well as workforce development.

Solar for All in Florida

Florida received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All initiative. The program is administered by the Solar and Energy Loan Fund of St. Lucie County (SELF) and focuses on rooftop solar energy deployment for single-family homes, with additional support for multifamily and solar resiliency projects.

Solar for All in Georgia

Georgia was awarded $156,010,000 for its Solar for All program. The state’s initiative includes a single-family lease program, a free direct install program, and a novel “Community Benefit” solar program. It partners with Capital Good Fund and clean energy cities to broaden solar access.

Solar for All in Guam

Guam received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program (SFA-GU). The program will provide access to renewable energy solutions to low and moderate-income households in Guam, with a special focus on homeowners who have been barred from investing in solar energy due to financial constraints.

Solar for All in Hawaii

Hawaii received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program (SFA-HI). Leveraging HGIA’s inclusive and risk-mitigating financing mechanisms, SFA-HI will dedicate program funds to finance residential rooftop solar, storage systems, and residential-serving, community-owned solar systems for low-income households statewide.

Solar for All in Idaho

Idaho received $56,540,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The program will expand economic and environmental benefits of solar to low-income, tribal, and disadvantaged communities across the state through outreach, workforce development, and technical and financial assistance.

Solar for All in Illinois

Illinois was awarded $156,120,000 for its Solar for All program. The state continues to focus on expanding access to solar for low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program builds upon existing initiatives like ILSFA and Illinois Shines to provide financial assistance and technical support.

Solar for All in Kentucky

Kentucky received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program will expand access to low-income solar through financial assistance models and workforce development programming, providing meaningful benefits like reduced energy burden and increased resilience.

Solar for All in Louisiana

Louisiana received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program will launch a resilient solar initiative focused on deploying solar, energy storage, and upgrades for low-income and disadvantaged communities, while providing long-term support and workforce development.

Solar for All in Maine

Maine received $62,120,000 for its Solar for All Program (MESA). The program addresses barriers faced by low-income and disadvantaged households with initiatives for single-family, multifamily, and cooperatively-owned community solar projects.

Solar for All in Maryland

Maryland received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program. The initiative focuses on mobilizing capital, building workforce preparedness, and creating opportunities for low-income households to access solar energy.

Solar for All in Massachusetts

Massachusetts received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program will serve low-income and disadvantaged communities statewide, with a significant portion of the budget dedicated to funding solar photovoltaic projects.

Solar for All in Michigan

Michigan was awarded $156,120,000 for its MI Healthy Solar for All program. The initiative focuses on providing direct financial assistance for rooftop solar, community solar, and energy storage in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Solar for All in Mississippi

Mississippi received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by Hope Enterprise Corporation (HEC). The program targets low-income and disadvantaged households through residential rooftop solar leasing and multifamily building initiatives.

Solar for All in Missouri

Missouri received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The initiative combines forgivable and low-interest loans to enable solar adoption, creating resilient communities and mobilizing private capital for long-term impact.

Solar for All in Montana

Montana received $43,700,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The program supports low-income, Tribal, and disadvantaged communities by addressing barriers to solar adoption and providing technical and financial assistance.

Solar for All in Nebraska

Nebraska received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program focuses on rooftop and multifamily solar for low-income households and includes a Tribal set-aside to benefit Nebraska Tribes.

Solar for All in Nevada

Nevada received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program (NSFA). The program boosts solar adoption by providing financial assistance and targeting underserved areas with community solar initiatives.

Solar for All in New Hampshire

New Hampshire received $43,510,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program includes residential-serving community solar projects and workforce housing solar installations, supported by partnerships with the NHDOE and local organizations.

Solar for All in New Jersey

New Jersey received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All program (NJ SFA). The program serves low-income and disadvantaged households with initiatives for residential and community solar, workforce development, and technical support.

Solar for All in New Mexico

New Mexico received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The initiative expands access to shared solar projects and offers grants and financing options for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Solar for All in New York

New York received $249,800,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by NYSERDA. The program enhances existing solar initiatives and addresses specific barriers to solar adoption for low-income households.

Solar for All in North Carolina

North Carolina received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The EnergizeNC initiative aims to deploy distributed solar and storage for low-income and disadvantaged communities statewide, including Tribal lands.

Solar for All in North Dakota

North Dakota received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by the Coalition for Green Capital. The program focuses on deploying solar for single-family and multifamily homes while mobilizing private capital.

Solar for All in Ohio

Ohio received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program supports low-income communities with flexible funding models for solar adoption and emphasizes market growth through strategic subsidies and workforce development.

Solar for All in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program focuses on residential solar deployment, enabling upgrades, and community outreach to benefit disadvantaged communities.

Solar for All in Rhode Island

Rhode Island received $49,330,000 for its Solar for All Program. The initiative includes financial assistance programs and technical support to address barriers to solar adoption for low-income renters and homeowners.

Solar for All in South Carolina

South Carolina received $124,440,000 for its Solar for All Program. The Community Solar Initiative targets low-income households, offering residential-serving solar and workforce development opportunities.

Solar for All in South Dakota

South Dakota received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program, administered by the Coalition for Green Capital. The program increases solar deployment and provides financing for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Solar for All in Tennessee

Tennessee received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The initiative accelerates solar deployment for low-income households, supporting rooftop solar, storage systems, and community solar infrastructure.

Solar for All in Texas

Texas was awarded $249,700,000 for its Solar for All program. The initiative focuses on financial assistance for residential and community solar, partnering with municipalities and organizations to expand solar access.

Solar for All in Utah

Utah received $62,450,000 for its Transformative SFA Initiative (S4AU). The program strengthens solar deployment for low-income homes with a focus on community engagement and innovative partnerships.

Solar for All in Vermont

Vermont received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All initiatives. The program focuses on reducing electricity costs for low-income households through solar array ownership and battery storage systems.

Solar for All in Virginia

Virginia received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All: Virginia Energy Program (SAVE). The program expands solar and storage access for low-income households by addressing market barriers and financing options.

Solar for All in Washington

Washington received $156,120,000 for its Solar for All Program. The state’s initiatives expand solar access for low-income households, with an emphasis on environmental justice communities.

Solar for All in Washington DC

Washington, DC received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program provides solar and storage for low-income households, enhancing resiliency and community ownership.

Solar for All in West Virginia

West Virginia received $106,180,000 for its Solar for All Program. The REAL Energy Resilient Roofs Program delivers residential solar and community solar benefits to low-income households.

Solar for All in Wisconsin

Wisconsin received $62,450,000 for its Solar for All program. The initiative uses grants, incentives, and workforce partnerships to expand solar access and reduce energy costs.

Solar for All in Wyoming

Wyoming received $30,260,000 for its Solar for All Program. The program supports solar deployment for low-income, Tribal, and disadvantaged communities through technical and financial assistance.

How Communities Can Maximize the Use of Solar for All Funding

Solar potential maps, like those provided through MyHEAT, are a powerful tool for identifying where solar energy can make the greatest impact.

For communities, energy providers, and planners, these maps provide insightful data to help prioritize areas where renewable energy projects can deliver the most benefits—financially, environmentally, and socially.

What are solar potential maps?

Solar potential maps analyze sunlight exposure, roof geometry, shading, and other factors to determine the suitability of locations for solar energy generation.

Solar maps from MyHEAT, powered by Google Project Sunroof, highlight areas with the greatest potential for solar installations. These tools support smarter planning and more informed decision-making for individual projects, community initiatives, and energy providers.

How MyHEAT solar maps support Solar for All goals

MyHEAT’s solar maps enable precise market segmentation by identifying disadvantaged and income-eligible communities that meet the program’s parameters. This data-driven approach ensures that Solar for All funding and efforts are directed toward the areas most in need, maximizing the program’s impact.

By leveraging MyHEAT’s insights, stakeholders can:

  • Target specific communities: Focus outreach and resources exclusively on disadvantaged and income-eligible areas.
  • Engage effectively: Tailor messaging and initiatives to the unique needs of these communities, increasing participation and adoption of solar energy solutions.
  • Optimize planning: Develop solar projects that align with the goals of Solar for All, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits are delivered where they are most needed.

MyHEAT’s tools empower program administrators and energy providers to make informed decisions that drive meaningful engagement and measurable results.

Maximize Solar Potential in Your Area with MyHEAT

Exploring Solar for All funding is crucial for increasing solar energy use, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities. State-specific variations can impact how these funds are accessed and used. Understanding these variations ensures equitable access and meaningful benefits for all.

Partnering with MyHEAT can amplify the benefits of solar energy adoption. MyHEAT helps individuals and communities maximize energy savings by identifying energy loss in homes. Through their solar potential maps, homeowners can see where they are losing energy and how solar installations could help.

Contact MyHEAT to learn more about MyHEAT Solar Maps

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