Celebrating a Brighter Future: Utah Selected to Receive $62.45 Million for Low-Income Solar Energy

Salt Lake County is thrilled to announce its inclusion in a groundbreaking initiative that promises to brighten the lives of many through the power of solar energy. Utah is set to receive $62,450,000 from the Solar for All grant, funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. In partnership with multiple Utah organizations, Salt Lake County will lead a collaborative pilot program to evaluate and implement residential solar systems for low-income households in Utah's most densely populated area. The program will then be scaled to cover the rest of the state.This grant is part of a national effort to empower over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities across the United States with sustainable energy solutions.

The Utah coalition involved in the program is comprised of the following: 

• Utah Office of Energy Development 
• Utah Department of Environmental Quality
• University of Utah
• Utah Clean Energy 
• Salt Lake County 
• Salt Lake City

The Solar for All initiative is a transformative step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. It targets the creation and expansion of low-income solar programs that are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. By implementing these programs, we aim to deliver significant cost savings on electric bills for our most burdened households, while also unlocking new markets for distributed solar energy.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

The funding will support the Solar for All Utah (S4AU) initiative, a new and visionary program designed to harness Utah's abundant solar potential to strengthen the market for residential solar energy. This initiative focuses on providing meaningful benefits to disadvantaged and low-income homes across Utah’s diverse regions.

Prioritizing the Needs of Utah’s Most Vulnerable

S4AU places a strong emphasis on reaching populations that currently lack access to electricity or depend on life-essential powered medical devices. The initiative is particularly focused on helping Utahns who are most at risk from electricity outages and energy insecurity. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to building a resilient and equitable energy infrastructure.

Looking Forward

With this substantial financial boost from the Solar for All grant, Salt Lake County is set to play a crucial role in Utah’s clean energy future. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of solar energy reach all corners of our community.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite all community members to stay engaged and informed about the developments of the S4AU initiative. Together, we can look forward to a future where clean, affordable solar energy is a reality for everyone.