Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance Grants

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance Grants, aiming to address barriers to solar and energy storage installations for low-to-moderate income (LMI) households and providers of regulated affordable housing. This initiative aligns with NYSERDA's mission to promote clean energy and ensure equitable access to its benefits, particularly for underserved communities. The program's total funding is up to $10,650,000, with individual awards capped at $200,000, to offset predevelopment and technical assistance costs. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are LMI households, including those not served by traditional onsite residential solar, and providers of regulated affordable housing that serves LMI households. The impact goals are to provide direct energy cost savings to LMI subscribers through community solar or storage, indirect benefits to LMI residents of affordable housing, and enhance energy resiliency. This directly supports the broader strategic objective of ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of income level. The program prioritizes projects that promote the development of solar or storage installations benefiting LMI households and/or affordable housing providers. Eligible activities span a wide range, including aggregated purchasing, models for community ownership, financial analysis, procurement, outreach, early-stage planning, site identification, securing project financing, and enhancing resiliency for LMI and disadvantaged communities. This comprehensive approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in predevelopment and technical assistance, the program can overcome initial hurdles to clean energy adoption in LMI communities. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation and operation of solar and/or storage installations for affordable housing, as well as community solar installations that offer tangible benefits to LMI households. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of LMI households receiving energy cost savings, the amount of clean energy generated, and improvements in energy resiliency in these communities. NYSERDA's strategic priorities are further advanced through this program by fostering sustainable community development and reducing the energy burden on vulnerable populations.