Funding will support solar access for low-income households, expansion of utility and commercial projects

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland will benefit from Federal funding to strengthen the region’s environmental sustainability and expand existing solar energy programs. Growth Opportunity Partners (Growth Opps), announced the agency’s award for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) grant under the Solar for All program to lead the Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition’s initiative. The grant, totaling $156 million, will expand solar access to over 30 low to moderate income communities throughout eight states.

The EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction grant funding provides a tremendous opportunity for Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland to reduce emissions through the expanded use of solar energy. Growth Opps, the first green bank for the State of Ohio, and the country’s first African American led green bank, applied for the grant on behalf of the Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition, and will work with the County and City to implement solar focused initiatives.

The Solar for All program will fund residential solar energy access, installing solar panels on home rooftops as well as community energy projects through direct grants, tax credits and additional financial tools through green banks. Other applications, including Climate Pollution Reduction Grants and the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program will fund utility and commercial scale solar projects if awarded.

“Funding for the Solar for All program has the potential to be a major game changer in Cuyahoga County, with a ripple effect that will bring additional energy resources to Northeast Ohio,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “As the home of the first microgrid focused electrical utility in the United States, the County remains committed to expanding solar access, while continuing to focus on employment opportunities in the renewable energy sphere. We look forward to working with Growth Opps and the City of Cleveland to implement green energy strategies and solutions that will positively impact our communities and promote environmental responsibility.”

“Receiving this award from the EPA is a testament to our unwavering commitment to driving positive change in disadvantaged communities through sustainable energy initiatives,” said Michael Jeans, CEO of Growth Opps. “This grant will empower us to bring the benefits of the renewable energy transition to communities that have long awaited such advancements. The combined strength and experience of our coalition in community development, workforce expansion, and renewable energy will be instrumental in creating a more equitable, sustainable future for all.”

Other EPA awards through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction fund that will benefit Cleveland and Cuyahoga County include funding pipelines for other types of energy, transportation and building projects.

“This is an exciting investment in legacy cities throughout the Midwest that are seeking to advance climate justice through the equitable deployment of climate solutions and revitalize our economies while also reducing energy burden,” commented Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Cleveland is particularly proud that this coalition award will build upon our successful Low to Moderate Home solar program, as well as help develop community solar with our municipal utility, Cleveland Public Power (CPP), decarbonize our city neighborhood by neighborhood and block by block, and connect our Clevelanders to good-paying jobs in the green economy.”

Growth Opportunity Partners (Growth Opps) is a mission-based community financial institution and Green Bank dedicated to providing community development capital, services, and solutions to growing small businesses, primarily located in disadvantaged, low and moderate income (LMI) communities. Recognizing that capital markets have historically failed to reach low-income and communities of color in the same manner as others, Growth Opps was created to make capital, professional high quality advisory services, and data accessible. The organization bridges the gap between opportunity and access, ensuring that all communities have the resources they need to thrive.

Cuyahoga County is the geographic and economic core of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area. With over 1.2 million residents, it is the second-most-populous county in the State of Ohio. The County promotes sustainability, regional growth, public safety, economic opportunity, individual well-being, regional collaboration, and superior services. To learn more about Cuyahoga County services, visit cuyahogacounty.gov.

The City of Cleveland is committed to putting people and neighborhoods first, working to deliver high-quality city services and leading bold change. The City is focused on building a stronger and safer Cleveland and modernizing City Hall to improve outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors. To learn more about the City of Cleveland, visit clevelandohio.gov.