SEEL Solar and Battery Grants

The SEEL Solar and Battery Grants are part of the broader Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Lighting (SEEL) Program administered by the City of Bloomington, Indiana. The program is designed to advance the city’s sustainability objectives by supporting local nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses in the adoption of renewable energy systems and energy-efficient building upgrades. Specifically, the solar and battery components of the SEEL program provide grant funding and technical assistance for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems and battery energy storage systems. This initiative aligns with the city’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy adoption, and improving the resilience and energy independence of critical service providers. The SEEL Solar Grant provides up to $25,000 in sponsored costs for the installation of a solar PV system. All installations are conducted by the program’s exclusive contractor partner, Solar Energy Solutions (SES). Once an applicant is approved, SES performs a site assessment, prepares a project proposal, and issues a contract. The City of Bloomington covers contract costs up to the maximum award amount. Battery grants, capped at $20,000, are available exclusively to nonprofits delivering essential services in the areas of food, health, housing, and social support. A combined solar and battery grant totaling up to $45,000 is also available to qualifying nonprofits offering these essential services. Oversized systems designed to export power back to the grid are not eligible unless the applicant independently funds the additional capacity or incorporates a battery to store the excess energy. Eligible solar projects must install a system of at least 8 kW in capacity, with the scale of the system tied to the grant amount unless the applicant chooses to finance additional capacity themselves. Similarly, battery systems are sized up to the grant maximum, and additional storage capacity may be installed at the applicant’s expense. All battery systems are intended to enhance operational resilience for organizations serving the community’s vital needs. Properties located within designated historic districts must coordinate with the City’s Historic Preservation Program Manager before pursuing exterior modifications related to the installation. The application process begins with submission of an eligibility check form through the SEEL online system (CiviForm), which requires applicants to log in with or create an Access Indiana account. Organizations leasing their facilities must provide property owner contact information so the City can obtain necessary approvals. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants receive a link to complete the full application and engage with the program coordinator to refine project details. SES then conducts the site visit and prepares a proposal, which is reviewed by the City. Following approval, a contract is issued for signature, and SES proceeds with installation and utility coordination. The City is invoiced directly for eligible project costs, while recipients cover any upgrades beyond the grant amount. In addition to SEEL grant funding, applicants are encouraged to explore complementary incentives such as electric utility credits, state property tax exemptions, and low-interest financing options. While these incentives are not administered by the SEEL program, the City offers guidance to support applicants in pursuing them. Applicants are advised that these supplemental opportunities are optional and must be pursued independently. A public informational webinar will be held on March 26, 2026, to help interested organizations better understand the application process and program structure. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits; employee benefit associations; social welfare organizations; and business leagues. Small businesses with fewer than 500 full-time employees are also eligible. Qualifying project types include not only solar and battery installations but also energy efficiency upgrades. Multifamily residential complexes that house low-income residents and are owned by eligible organizations may also apply. Examples of previously funded recipients include schools, libraries, health clinics, and childcare centers, reflecting the City’s commitment to supporting essential services throughout the Bloomington community.