Solar Opportunities Indiana receives $117 million funding notification from U.S. EPA to expand clean energy access
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Solar Opportunities Indiana receives $117 million funding notification from U.S. EPA to expand clean energy accessFunding from federal “Solar for All” initiative will spur access to solar in low-income and disadvantaged Hoosier communities over the next five years INDIANAPOLIS—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally awarded $117.4 million to Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI), a grassroots-led coalition dedicated to expanding equitable access to clean energy across Indiana.The five-year funding agreement will enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy or benefit from zero-emissions technologies, moving Indiana toward a healthier and more sustainable energy future.The EPA’s funding letter is available here.Solar Opportunities Indiana includes the Indiana Community Action Association, Citizens Action Coalition, Solar United Neighbors, the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, Earth Charter Indiana, Faith in Place and five organizations providing direct financial assistance for solar projects: the City of Fort Wayne, the City of Gary, the City of Indianapolis, Energy Matters Community Coalition (Columbus), and Indiana Solar Equity for All Alliance/Black Sun Light Sustainability.In addition to direct financial assistance provided in these cities, the coalition will be working to bring a second group of cities into the program to provide additional opportunities in the state.Together, the coalition will implement a solar financing and access program that addresses structural barriers and creates innovative solutions to accelerate Indiana’s clean energy transition.Key initiatives include:
Direct Financial Assistance: Partner cities and organizations will lead solar deployment projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities, reducing upfront costs and bridging financing gaps.
Workforce Development: The program will fund training initiatives to grow a skilled workforce in the solar industry, supporting job creation and economic development.
Community Engagement: SOI will convene municipalities, advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, educational institutions and renewable energy experts to enhance public outreach and support for solar adoption.
Policy Innovation: The coalition will collaborate with local governments to address existing policy constraints, streamline utility coordination, and improve local policies, ordinances and procedures to facilitate solar market participation.
Expansion Opportunities: Beyond i