Wisconsin secures $62M for solar projects in low income households

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers announced on Tuesday, April 23 in a press release that Wisconsin has been awarded a $62.4 million federal grant to install solar systems in low- and moderate-income households.

The funding, part of the Biden Administration's Solar for All initiative, comes from the Environmental Protection Agency and aims to facilitate access to renewable energy across the state, with the announcement aligning with Earth Week celebrations.

"This will help support the important benefits of renewable solar energy for low- and moderate-income households across our state through rooftop residential, multifamily, and community solar projects," Gov. Evers said in the Tuesday release.

He also emphasized that the program would contribute to the state's goal of achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050, while also creating jobs and reducing energy costs.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation initially sought the grant, and noted in the press release that low-income households make up around 29 percent of Wisconsin households, making it imperative to offer lower energy costs and new jobs to these residents, while also aiming to combat climate change.

The complete press release announcing the grant can be found by clicking here.