The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) is dedicated to promoting energy independence and sustainability within American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. TSAF operates under the broader mission of Tribal Energy Alternatives to support Tribal Nations through solar energy development, training, and empowerment initiatives. The program aims to advance energy sovereignty while supporting sustainable and environmentally healthy long-term development for tribal communities.
The Tribal Facility and Residential Project Grant Program provides funding specifically for solar installations. Facility solar project funding can include rooftop, carport, or ground-mounted solar energy systems intended to significantly reduce energy costs and catalyze broader business development within tribal communities. Projects must aim to enhance tribal energy infrastructure, benefit tribal community members, and support facilities with substantial energy needs and costs.
Residential solar project funding is designated for low-income, single-family homes or small multi-family complexes on tribal land. The objective is to significantly alleviate electricity costs for low-income tribal residents, stabilizing their financial burdens and promoting access to renewable energy sources. Funding under this grant can be allocated to either facility or residential projects or a combination of both, up to a total of $200,000 per applicant.
Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal governments in the lower 48 states and Alaska, tribally-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and tribally controlled or operated educational institutions such as tribal colleges and universities. Organizations must be tribal-led, meaning over 51% of leadership must be American Indian or Alaska Native. Tribal facilities must serve communities designated as low-to-moderate income, and residential project beneficiaries must be households earning 80% or less of the area median income.
Applicants must submit a completed application form, a project timeline using the provided template, and a budget form. Additional information and guidance can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions document. Any inquiries about the grant application process can be directed to grants@tribalsolar.org. Applications are now open and will close on May 31, 2025.
