Partners for growth opportunities, a community financial institution and Green Bank, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced a groundbreaking agreement to collaborate on the implementation of the Solar for All program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Agency. Growth Opps is the lead applicant for the $250 million grant on behalf of the Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition (IHSC), which represents 31 cities in eight states.
The Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition’s application to the EPA, led by Growth Opps and presented to the Solar for All program, uniquely provides full financing for residential and community solar installations by taking advantage of the energy tax credits that are newly available through the Inflation Reduction Act and transfers ownership of residential solar projects to program beneficiaries at no cost. The program will impact nearly 30,000 homes across IHSC’s eight-state region, with 100% of benefits going to Justice40 communities.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Growth Opps and IBEW outlines their commitment to ensuring high-quality jobs with a diverse and skilled workforce for projects funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Both organizations will work together to advance the use of employment contracts, meet Davis-Bacon requirements, and expand IBEW’s training and internship programs to create opportunities for people of color, women, and workers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and communities .
“At Growth Opps, we are committed to meaningful wage jobs,” said Michael Jeans, CEO of Growth Opps. “This partnership ensures we have a skilled workforce that can provide high-quality solar installations to complete nearly 30,000 roofs for low-income residents.”
The Solar for All program, administered by Growth Opps, will award sub-awards to a network of community foundations, cities and counties that make up the IHSC. These program partners will play a critical role in identifying eligible applicants and beneficiaries while contributing to the development of a clean energy population in their respective communities.
“This agreement with Growth Opps is a win for both the climate and working people,” said IBEW International President Kenneth Cooper. “This partnership will help ensure the growth of residential renewable energy, while creating good, family-sustaining IBEW jobs that will open doors of opportunity for communities across the country.”
News item from Growth Opportunity Partners
