What is a solar energy grant?

Grants are funding given to promote renewable energy that does not have to be paid back. Qualifying groups include low-income or rural homeowners, farms, Native American tribes, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Harnessing solar energy – while having numerous long-term benefits – can be an expensive undertaking.

Can a business get a grant for solar panels?

Currently, there are no direct grants for businesses specifically for solar panel installation. However, businesses that invest in solar panels could benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which enables small low-carbon electricity generators to receive payments for the surplus energy they export back to the grid.

Where can I get funding for solar technology?

Resources available through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and other government agencies can help small businesses and entrepreneurs work through the steps necessary to develop and advance their solar technologies. Where can I apply for funding to help move my innovation closer to market?

What are the different types of solar grants?

For homeowners, the most common types of solar grants are tax credits, utility rebates, and performance incentives. Much less common are grants financed through the federal government, which are typically designed for large-scale business or community projects.

Are there grants for residential solar?

Grants for residential solar installations are extremely scarce. However, tax credits, utility rebates, and performance incentives are more common for residential solar (more on these in the last section).

What are small scale solar grants?

Commerce RI’s Small Scale Solar Grants program is designed to encourage adoption of photovoltaic solar and solar hot water technology among Rhode Island homeowners. This is one of the few grants for small scale solar installations in the country that most local homeowners are eligible for.