SWP receives grant to bring solar to 15 low-income households

UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WLUC) — The Superior Watershed Partnership was chosen to help bring solar to the state.

The SWP is part of a group of Solar for Savings grant recipients. There are eight recipients in the group. These eight will act as pilot programs for the larger MI Solar for All program. The Solar for Savings program is also the first in a series of MI Healthy Climate Challenge grant competitions aimed at driving clean energy deployment across Michigan.

The tentative total of this round of grant funding is $7.9 million, but this number might change depending on how much each group will need.

“Projects are focused on deploying solar projects to help low-income participants save money by reducing energy costs or providing other benefits, improving energy resilience, and supporting Michigan’s energy independence through greater solar access across Michigan communities,” EGLE said in a press release.

The SWP will use the funds to install solar at 15 households in the U.P., with at least five of them receiving energy storage. Customers with critical medical devices dependent on electricity will be prioritized.

Jeff Johnston, EGLE public information officer, says low-income areas haven’t received a lot of attention up to this point.

“Clean energy, renewable energy, these are important parts of our future globally, and we think Michiganders should be out there leading the way,” Johnston said. “Those who are struggling or have, you know, don’t have the disposable income to get there on their own or could use a little help, we want to be there to offer that support.”

The press release from EGLE says, “Participating households are expected to receive a benefit equivalent to an average 20% reduction on their electricity bill.”

To learn more about the grant offerings, click here.

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