Solar for Schools Program
Funding Amount
Almost a million dollars per school district in grant money
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Solar for Schools Program
Organization: Solar United Neighbors (SUN) in partnership with Cuyahoga County Utility, Cuyahoga Green Energy, and Growth Opportunity Partners (Growth Opps)
Funder: U.S. Department of Energy
Program Status: Active (installations began as of 2024)
Overview
A program designed to help school districts install solar energy systems to reduce energy costs and support student education about renewable energy.- East Cleveland City Schools
- Maple Heights City Schools
- Euclid City Schools
- Cuyahoga Heights Local School District
- One additional district to be announced
Participating School Districts (as of June 2024)
- Ohio (specifically Cuyahoga County region)
Geographic Scope
- Grant funding: Almost $1 million per district in grant money from the U.S. Department of Energy
- Forgivable loan: To cover upfront costs of solar installation
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit payment: A payment equivalent to the federal clean energy tax credit
Funding Components
Each participating school district receives:- Reduced energy costs for school districts
- Reinvestment of savings into student education
- Protection against rising utility electricity costs
- Educational opportunities for students about renewable energy
- Improved air quality around schools (reducing need for fossil fuel burning)
- Job creation and economic development
- Reduced strain on energy system
Benefits
- Public school districts
Eligibility
- Guidance on researching solar systems
- Support reviewing bids
- Technical assistance throughout the process
SUN's Role
How to Apply
Application Process
No direct application information provided in the source material. The program appears to select participating school districts through partnership agreements with local utilities and organizations.
For Information:
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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