Energy Trust of Oregon is pleased to announce an exciting grant opportunity for community organizations and other entities that work with individuals with lower or moderate incomes. Working with the Oregon Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Trust of Oregon has issued the Low- to Moderate-Income Solar Innovation Grant to develop solar program models and demonstration projects that benefit lower-income communities. Energy Trust plans to award 8-12 grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each, to support viable and replicable program models.

As part of a three-year federal award aiming to make the deployment of solar more accessible in Oregon, Energy Trust has engaged in extensive statewide outreach with community-based organizations that serve lower and moderate-income Oregonians. Energy Trust believes that these local and trusted organizations can play an important role in advancing the equitable deployment of this life-changing technology. However, collaboration will be a key component of this work, and community-based organizations across the state will need the technical expertise and talents of trusted Solar trade allies and industry partners like you.

Trade allies are encouraged to consider applying for this grant opportunity and form a partnership with a community-based organizations that serve lower-income communities. Energy Trust invites you to forge relationships with community groups and propose innovative program models and plans that can connect low and moderate-income families with solar energy.

At the completion of this grant process, project teams will be invited to participate in Energy Trust’s SDA process ahead of the 2019 utility grant cycle. The solicitation for applications, which includes more details on the opportunity, can be found on Energy Trust’s website in the RFP/RFQ section. Applications are due by November 30, 2018. For questions or more details, contact Zach Sippel, Solar program coordinator.