The Vermont Department of Public Service has announced a $22 million subaward with Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) as part of the federal Solar for All Program (SFA).
This funding will support affordable housing solar initiatives across the state and represents more than a third of Vermont's $62.45 million federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Eligible Solar for All projects:
- Affordable housing projects with rents not exceeding 30% of 80% area median income (AMI) for at least half of residential units and/or single family or manufactured homes developed through state affordable housing programs with household incomes not exceeding 80% of AMI, to be finalized
- New construction or existing housing projects
- Projects offering long-term benefits to residents, which must include a 20% reduction in electricity bills or equivalent benefits, to be determined
- Rooftop or ground-mounted on-site arrays and/or participation in community solar projects
- Eligible enabling upgrades such as electrical system upgrades and structural building repairs to support the construction of solar arrays, to be determined
VHFA will work with the Department of Public Service to refine program criteria above and develop program application materials in the coming months. To the greatest extent possible, VHFA will coordinate SFA awards with other housing funding application rounds.
Solar for All Program Timeline:
| 4/22/24 | EPA awards $64 million Solar for All award to Vermont |
| 12/17/2024 | EPA approves draft Solar for All workplan submitted by Vermont Public Service Department |
| 5/5/2025 | Vermont Public Service Department approves subaward to VHFA |
| 12/2025 | Final Solar for All workplan for State of Vermont due to EPA. Approved workplan is required to allow commitment of SFA funds to projects. |
| Within 90 days of EPA workplan approval | VHFA will open applications for SFA funds to housing projects. |
| September 2029 | Deadline to fully deploy SFA funds |
Press Releases:
- April 22, 2024: Biden-Harris Administration announces Vermont Department of Public Service to receive nearly $62.5 million to deliver residential solar, lowering energy costs and advancing environmental justice across Vermont
- May 13, 2025: Department of Public Service Announces $22 Million Subaward to VHFA for Solar for All Program
Program Materials:
- Vermont Department of Public Service Solar for All Program
- EPA Frequent Questions about Solar for All
- VHFA and the State of Vermont may further restrict program eligibility beyond the parameters defined by EPA.