TDEC announces $156M for solar panel programs

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will receive $156.12 million from the EPA for a new program aimed at deploying solar infrastructure to low-income households and disadvantaged communities. TDEC was one of 60 applicants selected to receive funding under the $7 billion EPA Solar for All Competition. The  Tennessee Solar for All Program will be administered by the TDEC Office of Energy Programs (OEP). Of the funding awarded, $400,000 will be awarded as in-kind services provided by the EPA in partnership with the U.S. DOE under the forthcoming National Solar for All Technical Assistance Program. The proposed Program’s geography covers the entire state, and the scope of work is to provide financial assistance for residential rooftop and residential-serving community solar infrastructure, storage, and associated enabling upgrades in conjunction with preexisting, complementary programs (e.g., the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Flexibility 2.0 Program, Dispersed Power Production program, and community solar programs such as Nashville Electric Service's Music City Solar program). The Program will also provide project-deployment technical assistance focused on workforce development opportunities, as well as siting, permitting, and interconnection assistance, as needed.