The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally awarded $117.4 million to Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI), a grassroots-led coalition dedicated to expanding equitable access to clean energy across Indiana.
The five-year funding agreement will enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy or benefit from zero-emissions technologies, moving Indiana toward a healthier and more sustainable energy future.
The EPA’s funding letter is available here.
Solar Opportunities Indiana includes the Indiana Community Action Association, Citizens Action Coalition, Solar United Neighbors, the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, Earth Charter Indiana, Faith in Place and five organizations providing direct financial assistance for solar projects: the City of Fort Wayne, the City of Gary, the City of Indianapolis, Energy Matters Community Coalition (Columbus), and Indiana Solar Equity for All Alliance/Black Sun Light Sustainability.
In addition to direct financial assistance provided in these cities, the coalition will be working to bring a second group of cities into the program to provide additional opportunities in the state.
Together, the coalition will implement a solar financing and access program that addresses structural barriers and creates innovative solutions to accelerate Indiana's clean energy transition.
Key initiatives include:
- Direct Financial Assistance: Partner cities and organizations will lead solar deployment projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities, reducing upfront costs and bridging financing gaps.
- Workforce Development: The program will fund training initiatives to grow a skilled workforce in the solar industry, supporting job creation and economic development.
- Community Engagement: SOI will convene municipalities, advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, educational institutions and renewable energy experts to enhance public outreach and support for solar adoption.
- Policy Innovation: The coalition will collaborate with local governments to address existing policy constraints, streamline utility coordination, and improve local policies, ordinances and procedures to facilitate solar market participation.
- Expansion Opportunities: Beyond initial projects, SOI will work with additional cities to extend opportunities for solar deployment statewide.
For more information about Solar Opportunities Indiana and its initiatives, please visit our website: https://www.indianasolar4all.org/
About Solar Opportunities Indiana
Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI) is a coalition of municipalities, advocacy organizations, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and renewable energy experts working together to deliver equitable solar access and workforce development throughout Indiana. SOI aims to reduce structural barriers, innovate within policy constraints, and create transformative opportunities for solar adoption and market growth.
Lawrence County honors war dead; Educator of the Year on Memorial Day
Lawrence County man charged with arson
Driver admits to law enforcement that she drove car into a pond
Lady softball Indians to play for regional title
Red Hill Unit #10 sets fees and salaries for new school year
Lawrenceville conducting water customer survey
Lawrence County raises solar project fee
Lawrence Unit #20 hires new elementary dean of students
USPS proposes maintenance, repairs during Mailbox Improvement Week
Three handed prison terms in Lawrence County
INDOT Knox County road construction to begin
Extensive rainfall in region leads to Embarrass River flood warning
Exposure to animals, biting pests can lead to several illnesses
Oakland City University releases statement on rumors of closing
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Illinois State Museum Route 66 exhibit to open May 23
