Solar for Savings Grant

The Solar for Savings grant is the first grant program under the MI Healthy Climate Challenge, funding MI Solar for All pilot projects to reduce energy costs, enhance resiliency, and expand access to solar for low-income households across Michigan. Supported by federal Solar for All funding, the program aims to deliver at least an average annual 20% electric bill reduction to participating low-income households, expand access to wealth-building opportunities and solar ownership, install new renewable energy generation and energy storage to reduce carbon emissions, develop workforce training and industry development opportunities, and test innovative approaches that support Michigan's clean energy transition.

Eligible applicants include public and non-profit entities such as tribes, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, municipal and cooperative utilities, educational institutions (e.g., K-12 schools, colleges, and universities), and eligible property owners located in Michigan. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Non-profit organizations must not be exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and must not engage in lobbying activities. Applicants must also comply with U.S. EPA Solar for All Terms and Conditions and applicable federal guidelines.

Eligible projects must deliver at least an average annual 20% electric bill savings or equivalent to eligible low-income households, with benefits inclusive of any costs incurred to participate. Projects must provide 100% of benefits to eligible low-income households, or at least 50% of benefits to eligible low-income households in the case of residential-serving community solar projects. Supported technologies include residential rooftop solar, residential-serving community solar, associated storage solutions, and enabling upgrades. Projects are encouraged to seek partnerships, stack and braid funding resources, establish quality control and maintenance plans, and support high-quality career training.

Applicants must review the Request for Proposals (RFP) and EPA Solar for All Terms and Conditions, then submit applications through the designated online portal along with required appendices including an Approved Budget Form (Appendix D), Approved Project Timeline Template (Appendix E), and Certificate of Indirect Costs (Appendix I). Applications are accepted across three review rounds with deadlines on May 30, 2025 (Round 1), June 30, 2025 (Round 2), and September 30, 2025 (Round 3) at 5:00 p.m. EST, and awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The program was paused following an EPA termination notice issued on August 7, 2025.