MI Receives $159M Federal Funding In Solar Power Grants

On Earth Day, Michigan was provided some additional help from Washington for its efforts in transitioning to renewable energy powering people’s homes through an announcement of federal grant monies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday $159 million in grant funding to the state of Michigan through Inflation Reduction Act dollars directed toward projects to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It was part of $7 billion in funding announced by the EPA on Monday for projects in states across the country. President Joe Biden’s administration said the money would help 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities nationally gain access to rooftop solar.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a statement thanked the Biden administration for the Michigan portion of the funding.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and our hardworking congressional delegation, Michigan is ready to launch the MI Solar for All program which will save thousands of working families households across the state money on their utility bills,” Whitmer said. “By installing more solar energy on roofs or in communities, we can create more jobs, protect our air and water, and continue driving down costs.”

The funding will be administered through the MI Solar for All program, housed within the Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Funding will be used to expand the use of rooftop solar, community solar and energy storage in the state. Monies will also target home upgrades including roof repairs for homes to be able to use rooftop solar.

“Expanding access to renewable energy is critical, particularly for low-income and environmental justice communities, to reducing pollution, protecting our world-class natural resources, and lowering energy costs for families,” EGLE Director Phil Roos said in a statement. “This investment will help us continue on our path toward a more sustainable future while ensuring real benefits for our communities, creating a positive and lasting impact for Michiganders today and tomorrow.”

Zachary Kolodin, the state’s chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office, had similar words in a statement.

“When it comes to helping low-income households make ends meet or hitting our MI Healthy Climate Plan goals, every dollar counts,” Kolodin said. “This award from the Biden-Harris administration will help Michigan families lower their energy costs while replacing dirty energy with clean rooftop solar.”