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The new Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program provides funding and technical assistance to support solar and battery storage systems at community buildings.
We're pleased to announce two opportunities associated with the new program:
Opportunity 1:
Grant application open now through March 23
We are now accepting applications for Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities grants to support installation and planning work for solar and battery storage systems at community buildings, including schools, community centers, libraries and other buildings owned by local, state, tribal governments and non-profits in Washington state.
Approximately $35.4 million is available for grants. The Request for Applications (RFA) has two separate tracks:
TRACK 1: Planning and Predevelopment?funding is available for projects that identify sites, complete community outreach and engagement to identify community needs, complete feasibility studies, or develop cost estimates, specifications, or other early design work. Projects can qualify for up to $100,000 each and no match is required.
TRACK 2: Installation?funding is available for projects that complete the installation of solar plus battery storage systems, including final design, purchase and installation of equipment, commissioning, developing operational plans, training and community outreach to increase community awareness of the facility. Projects can qualify for up to $1.5 million?each, and require a 30% match.
Key Dates:
- Q&A Period: Jan. 18 - March 15
- First Pre-Application Conference: Jan. 26
- Second Pre-Application Conference: Feb. 7
- Zoom Grants Help Session: Feb. 15
- Applications Due: March 23, 4 p.m. Pacific Time
- Begin Grant Work: July 1
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Opportunity 2:?
Seeking firms to provide Solar plus Storage outreach and feasibility studies
We are currently accepting proposals from firms to provide feasibility studies and outreach services to communities interested in developing solar plus battery storage infrastructure to provide backup power for community buildings.
Outreach will focus on soliciting community interest in feasibility studies for solar and battery storage installation. Commerce has set a goal to provide 80% of the work to rural, tribal and other communities most vulnerable to the impacts from power outages and emergencies.
Feasibility studies will recommend appropriate sizing and representative equipment and provide cost estimates, positioning communities to be ready to apply for future funding through the Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities grant program.
Key Dates:
- Q&A Period: Jan. 18 - Feb. 3
- Pre-Proposal Conference: Jan. 31, 2 p.m.
- Applications Due: Feb. 17, 12 p.m.
- Begin Contract Work: April 1
Up to $400,000 is available for fiscal year 2023 and up to $400,000 is available for fiscal year 2024. We may select more than one vendor to complete the work.
Firms responding to this RFP are encouraged to partner with community-based organizations that have experience providing outreach services to rural, tribal, and other vulnerable or highly impacted communities.
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