Grants for Solar Energy

Solar and clean energy grants fund installations, research, workforce development, and community energy programs. The Department of Energy, EPA, USDA, and state energy offices are major funders, especially after the Inflation Reduction Act expanded clean energy incentives. Both tax credits and direct grants are available for solar projects.

150 grants
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
$20 million in total prize money, with a $1 million top prize
TOMPKINS COUNTY AREA DEVELOPMENT INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

76West Clean Energy Competition Overview: An unparalleled competition focused on growing entrepreneurs and attracting resources from the U.S. and around the world to build clean energy businesses and…

Varies (Fund has provided $1.3M+ total since 2023)
ADAMAH INC · Rolling / Open · Rolling Foundation

Adamah's Climate Action Fund - Grants & Interest-Free Loans Status: Active and ongoing Geographic Scope: United States, focus on Jewish institutions Focus Areas: - Climate action and energy…

AES Hawaii Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Aes Hawaii Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: AES HAWAII FOUNDATION Last Updated: January 23, 2026 Summary The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable…

HAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund - Hawaii Island Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hawai'i Community Foundation Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Summary The AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the…

HAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund - Kauai Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hawai'i Community Foundation Last Updated: November 07, 2025 Summary The AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund - Kauai, established in 2022 by…

All Points North Foundation (APNF) · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to navigate society upward by helping in-need communities advance their missions in public middle school education, teacher training, and solar energy. Operating and…

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality · Rolling / Open Foundation

Alternative Fueling Facilities Program RFGA Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Amount: US $400,000 - US $600,000 Last Updated: November 08, 2025 Summary The…

APPALACHIAN VOICES · Rolling / Open Foundation

Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Issuing Organization: Appalachian Voices Overview: The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund is a project to catalyze commercial and institutional solar projects in…

Over $100,000 awarded (historical)
BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION LEAGUE · Rolling / Open Foundation

BEL Beneficial Electrification Grants Funder: Beneficial Electrification League (BEL) Status: Active grant program with past awards documented Geographic Scope: United States, with demonstrated…

Inland Power and Light · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

BEST Program (Building Energy Savings Today) Program Type: Low interest financing program for energy savings projects Overview: The BEST program is a 5% low interest financing program designed to…

BLUE PLANET ALLIANCE · May 10, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Program Status: Active, by special invitation only Overview: The Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship program brings representatives from island nations and territories to…

PEOPLE'S SOLAR ENERGY FUND · Rolling / Open Foundation

Bridge Loan Program Purpose: Financing support for community-owned solar projects in development stage Participant Type: PSEF member organizations Status: Active program with application system in…

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

California Permitting Academy Grant FORECAST Status: ACTIVE Funder: California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Amount: US $0 Last Updated: April 01, 2026…

$2,000 - $5,000
PEOPLE'S SOLAR ENERGY FUND · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

CBSC Mini-Grants Purpose: Support participating CBOs in pursuit of community-led and community-owned renewable energy project development in local communities. Eligible Uses: - Community engagement…

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ENERGY BAR · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

CFEBA Cornerstone Grant Funder: Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association (CFEBA) Award Amount: $50,000 Overview: The CFEBA Cornerstone Grant is an annual grant program that supports…

$10,000 - $50,000
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ENERGY BAR · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

CFEBA General Grant Program Funder: Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association (CFEBA) Award Amount: Varies; typically $10,000 - $50,000 Overview: The CFEBA General Grant Program funds…

Frequently Asked Questions

What federal grants are available for solar projects?
The DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Office funds research and deployment. The USDA REAP program provides grants for rural solar installations. The EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund supports community solar. The Inflation Reduction Act created new direct-pay options for tax-exempt organizations, effectively functioning as grants for solar installations.
Can nonprofits get solar grants?
Yes. Nonprofits can now benefit from the IRA's direct-pay provisions for clean energy tax credits. The EPA's Solar for All program specifically serves low-income and disadvantaged communities. State programs like California's SASH and New York's NY-Sun include nonprofit pathways. Many utility companies offer solar incentive programs for nonprofits.
Are there grants for community solar projects?
Yes. The EPA's $7 billion Solar for All program is the largest community solar grant in history. USDA's Rural Energy for America Program supports rural community solar. State clean energy funds in Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, and others specifically fund community solar development.

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