| Implementing Sector | State |
|---|---|
| Category | Financial Incentive |
| State | Washington |
| Incentive Type | Grant Program |
| Web Site | https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/energy-retrofits-for-public-buildings/ |
| Administrator | Washington State Department of Commerce |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies | Solar Photovoltaics |
| Eligible Efficiency Technologies | Lighting, Building Insulation, Windows, Custom/Others pending approval, Other EE, Insulation, LED Lighting |
| Applicable Sectors | Local Government, Schools, State Government, Tribal Government |
| Incentive Amount | Varies depending on project costs |
| Maximum Incentive | Energy Efficiency Grant: $350,000 per entity Solar Energy Grant: $250,000 per entity |
The Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, offers two types of grants aimed at enhancing public buildings. These grants are designated for public entities like municipalities, tribes, and public agencies to implement energy upgrades in various public facilities, including schools, hospitals, community centers, affordable housing, and wastewater treatment plants. The program supports grants for both energy efficiency and solar projects, targeting state and local governments. A minimum of 20% of the funds from each competitive grant cycle is allocated to projects in small towns or cities with populations under 5,000.
Energy Efficiency Grant:
This program provides financial support for projects that enhance energy efficiency in publicly-owned facilities, leading to reductions in energy and operational costs. The grants are competitive and are directed towards energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings and facilities.
As per the 2022 Request for Applications (RFA), the highest possible award per entity was set at $350,000. Applicants were required to contribute 50% of the total project cost from non-state sources. However, projects in high-impact communities, low-income areas, rural regions, and those undertaken by federally recognized Tribal governments had a lower matching requirement, at 33% of the total project cost.
*The program received further funding for the 2023-2025 biennium. The next solicitation is expected to open in late fall 2023.
The Solar Energy Grant is a competitive funding program designed to support the installation of solar energy systems at public buildings and facilities. This initiative aims to reduce energy expenses, lower pollution levels, and promote solar energy projects within various communities throughout the state.
As outlined in the 2022 Request for Applications (RFA), the grants are primarily intended for the installation of new net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at publicly-owned facilities. Eligible projects should have a capacity ranging from 20 kW AC to 100 kW AC. Each entity can receive a maximum of $250,000 in funding, with the stipulation that 50% of the total project cost must be matched with funds from non-state sources. For projects situated in designated priority communities, the minimum system size is set at 10 kW AC, and the required match is reduced to 33% of the total project cost.
For projects costing more than $1 million, the WSHFC may be able to assist in identifying other financing options.
Organization:
Washington Department of Commerce
Address:
1011 Plum Street SE, P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone:
(360) 522-0000
E-Mail:
