Solar for Savings Grant

The Solar for Savings grant is the first competition under the MI Healthy Climate Challenge, funding MI Solar for All pilot projects to reduce energy costs, enhance resiliency, and expand access to solar energy for low-income households across Michigan. The initiative is designed to test innovative approaches, accelerate solar adoption statewide, and deliver an annual average electric bill reduction of at least 20% for participating low-income households inclusive of participation costs.

Eligible applicants include public and non-profit entities such as tribal governments, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, municipal and cooperative utilities, educational institutions (K-12 schools, colleges, and universities), and eligible Michigan property owners. For-profit entities are strictly ineligible. Participating non-profit organizations must not be exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and must not engage in lobbying activities.

Projects must deliver at least an average annual 20% electricity bill savings or equivalent to eligible low-income households and provide 100% of the project benefits to eligible low-income households (or at least 50% of benefits for residential-serving community solar projects). Eligible projects must support technologies defined by EPA Solar for All Terms and Conditions, including residential rooftop solar, residential-serving community solar, associated storage solutions, and enabling upgrades.

Applicants apply directly online after reviewing the Request for Proposals (RFP) and EPA Solar for All Terms and Conditions. Applications were structured across three review rounds (Round 1 due May 30, 2025; Round 2 due June 30, 2025; Round 3 due September 30, 2025) and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The program was paused following an EPA termination letter in August 2025.