Municipal Solar Grant Program
A federally funded, competitive grant program to fund small solar PV systems to benefit New Hampshire municipalities.
Municipal Solar Grant Program History:
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) resulted in a $550 million appropriation into the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. This program, overseen by the US Department of Energy, provides formula grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes to implement strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.
Under this program, the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will receive a $1.6 million formula grant. The NHDOE will use this funding to develop the Municipal Solar Grant Program, a competitive grant program that provides funding for municipal solar projects whose total installed capacity does not exceed 60 kW DC. These projects will have the dual benefit of lowering municipal energy expenses and providing a direct financial benefit to municipal budgets and local property taxpayers. The program will prioritize “disadvantaged municipalities” that directly own their solar systems for funding in light of the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
Municipal Solar Grant Program Information:
The NHDOE applied for its formula grant in September 2023. At this time, the Municipal Solar Grant Program is not open to applications. The NHDOE will notify interested stakeholders on any future program developments.
Throughout July 2023, the NHDOE initiated a public process to assist with designing the Municipal Solar Grant Program. More information on past and any future stakeholder meetings can be found below: