$450 Million Rooftop Solar Power Initiative for Puerto Rico Announced by U.S. Department of Energy
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — The future of renewable energy is looking bright for Puerto Rico as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today a significant investment of up to $453.5 million from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). This vital initiative is targeted at enhancing residential rooftop solar PV and battery storage installations throughout the island, with a particular emphasis on reaching and supporting the most vulnerable residents.
An Ambitious Step Towards 100% Renewable Energy
This new round of funding is more than just an investment in technology; it is a commitment to the community, education, and the future of Puerto Rico. The allocated funds will go towards consumer protection and education initiatives to foster the long-term use of solar systems. Additionally, the DOE is launching a Solar Ambassador Prize to encourage community groups to identify and connect with eligible households. All of these efforts align with Puerto Rico’s and President Biden’s shared goal of reducing energy costs and creating a resilient grid powered entirely by renewable energy.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm commented on the project’s potential impact: “A future powered by renewables will offer the residents of Puerto Rico more energy security and more reliability—all while leaving households with cheaper bills to pay.” Granholm emphasized the importance of expanding access to clean energy, especially for at-risk communities, stating that this would provide families peace of mind in the face of the climate crisis.
About the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF)
In December 2022, President Biden enacted the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included $1 billion to establish the PR-ERF. The main focus of this fund is to enhance energy resilience for Puerto Rico’s most susceptible households and communities and assist the Commonwealth in achieving its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The creation of PR-ERF was a community-driven process, with significant local collaboration, feedback, and continued engagement with residents and stakeholders in the region, including strategic meetings, town halls, and listening sessions.
Details of Today’s Funding Opportunity
Today’s announcement comprises the first funding opportunity through PR-ERF, totaling $450 million. It is designed to incentivize the installation of 30,000–40,000 solar PV and battery storage systems specifically for very low-income single-family households. Priority will be given to:
- Locations with a high percentage of very low-income households that experience frequent and prolonged power outages.
- Families with an energy-dependent disability, such as electric wheelchair users or individuals who require at-home dialysis machines.
Potential applicants for this opportunity include private industry, non-profit organizations, energy cooperatives, educational institutions, and state and local government entities. There will also be funding to support consumer protection, ongoing education, training, and consumer protection support for recipients.
Solar Ambassador Prize
In an innovative move, the DOE is also announcing the Solar Ambassador Prize, a competitive funding opportunity for local organizations to identify qualifying households and assist with their enrollment in the residential solar PV and battery storage program. A total of $3.5 million will be awarded to up to 20 community organizations to extend outreach to vulnerable households in the region. Selected Solar Ambassador organizations will receive seed funding and additional compensation based on the number of beneficiaries enrolled and verified.
Upcoming Dates
- PR-ERF FOA applications are due on September 18, 2023, at 5:00 pm AT/ET.
- Applications for Solar Ambassador Organizations are due on September 25, 2023, at 5:00 pm AT/ET.
- An informational webinar about the Solar Ambassador Prize will be held on August 17, 2023, at 11:00 am AT/ET. Registration is required.
The substantial investment by the U.S. Department of Energy in Puerto Rico’s renewable energy landscape reflects a vision of sustainability, community empowerment, and resilience. By focusing on vulnerable populations and promoting local collaboration, the PR-ERF stands as a remarkable example of how renewable energy can be a force for positive change. With strategic planning and engagement, the island moves one step closer to a future where all residents have access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy. Visit the Grid Deployment Office website for more details on how to apply and contribute to this groundbreaking initiative.
