Puget Sound Energy Awards Nearly $1 Million in Solar Installation Grants

Submitted by Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy, through its Green Power and Solar Choice programs, has awarded $954,418 in grant funding to 13 organizations and tribes across its electric service area to install new solar projects.

Recipients range from local non-profits, housing authorities and tribal entities serving low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. In addition to saving recipients money on their utilities, the projects will serve to further clean energy in the region.

The annual generation of the projects will total about 514,000 kWh, annually, equivalent to powering nearly 53 average homes each year with newly installed solar from the Puget Sound region. The goal is to help local organizations reduce operating costs while also reducing their carbon footprint by using renewable energy they’ve generated.

“PSE is proud to support our grant recipients and the dedication they’ve shown to helping create a clean energy future,” said PSE Director of Product Development Will Einstein. “They, along with our customers who participate in PSE’s Green Power and Solar Choice programs, are ensuring that the benefits of distributed, local solar projects are accessible to all of our community members.”

“The Thurston County Food Bank is thrilled to be one of the recipients of this year’s Green Power Solar Grant through PSE.  Our newest Client Service Center, Lacey’s Pantry, which opened its doors in April of 2021 will benefit from the solar installation,” said Development Director Judy Jones, “The Food Bank is committed to shared community values which include green energy and recognize the commitment that PSE has made in our community through this unique and impactful grant.”

Recipients partnered with local solar installation companies such as A&R Solar, CapStone Solar, MAD Energy NW, LLC, South Sound Solar, Sphere Solar Energy and Western Solar. The solar companies helped recipients complete their grant applications and will work to have their solar panels installed and producing energy in 2022.

In addition to the nearly $1 million in grants awarded this year, PSE has provided an additional $2.4 million in grant funding for 35 projects over the last 4 years, resulting in over 1,100 kW of newly installed solar capacity, and nearly 1,100,000 kWh of annual generation. PSE’s Green Power Solar Grant program will release another competitive funding cycle in summer 2022. 

List of recipients