Charlotte receives federal grant to expand solar energy access for ...

Households with low-to-moderate income in Charlotte are now eligible for solar energy installations, thanks to a federal grant.

The city of Charlotte was selected as a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

Why it matters: Solar energy can lower utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 

A total of $777,930 was awarded to support the Solarize Charlotte Mecklenburg program, an initiative that will educate the community on the benefits of solar energy and provide solar energy installations for low- and moderate-income households, according to a statement from the city of Charlotte. 

“We are excited to launch the Solarize program, which will provide much-needed access to renewable energy for our community, particularly low- and moderate-income residents,” Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement. “This initiative not only supports our goals for a low-carbon community by 2050 but also demonstrates that all Charlotteans can benefit from clean energy solutions.”

The grant money will be used in three ways: 

Direct Solar Installations: Around $545,000 will be used for solar installations at low- and moderate-income households. Program Administration: A total of $213,000 will support the program’s rollout. Capacity Building: A total of $19,000 will be used to strengthen local organizations that work directly with low- and moderate-income communities.

The grant aligns with the Strategic Energy Action Plan, which aims for Charlotte to become a “low-carbon city” by 2050. The plan includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and having the city’s fleet and facilities fueled by 100% zero-carbon sources by 2030.

The city will work with the Centralina Regional Council, which will oversee the program and coordinate participation from other local governments in Mecklenburg County.