Solar Energy Grants In Oregon

Any Oregon nonprofit who pays utility bills to either Portland General Electric (PGE) or Pacific Power are eligible to receive up to 100% in solar energy grants to make the switch to sustainable solar power. Pacific Power solar rebate program is called the Blue Sky Community Project Fund. PGE solar program is called Renewable Development Fund.

Both programs go through a competitive award process and recipients are selected based on a number of criteria. We recommend signing up for a free consultation with one of our local estimators. Our estimators are well versed in both programs and have successfully won grant funding for local Oregon nonprofits.

Free Grant Writing Services

In order to for any nonprofit to receive solar grant funding, the organization must submit an application to either PGE or Pacific Power. Because the grants are highly competitive, the final application must be thoroughly complete and meet certain deadlines.

When you work with Sunbridge Solar, we provide free grant writing services because we understand you are busy with your nonprofit and on a lean budget. We recommend signing up for a solar consultation (also free!) to begin the conversation about how solar can help your nonprofit achieve even more.

PGE Solar Grants

PGE Renewable Development Fund

Portland General Electric (PGE) has supported clean energy in Oregon since 1999 through a suite of renewable power programs. Since then, 10,800 kilowatts of renewable energy is now generating power across the state of Oregon making it America's most successful development of renewable energy of its kind.

Since 2016, PGE has launched a new offering that leverages customer green power funds to expand the portfolio of renewable power projects in Oregon. The Renewable Development Fund awards funds to applicants installing solar energy projects.

Funding Process

Funding is limited and varies year-by-year. Projects go through a competitive evaluation process, are selected annually, and have strict deadlines. Selection of awarded projects is influenced by a number of factors, including the number and type of applications received. Submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated by third-party vendors in accordance with eligibility guidelines, preferred project standards, and established evaluation criteria.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Before you begin, filling out the application may sound daunting. That is why Sunbridge Solar in houses all grant writing, incentive, utility, and permit paperwork. Every project is graded on feasibility/readiness, costs, financing, additionality and community benefits as well as public exposure. Below is a list of questions and preferred project characteristics to assist you to make a decision.

Preferred Project Characteristics

Projects will have additional weighting if they include;

• Solar tied to electric vehicle charging and/or microgrid

• Targets underserved populations (low income or rural)

• Provide robust public engagement and education plans

• Use local materials and labor

• Have a solar contractor that is financially/time invested the project

Let Sunbridge Solar Help

At Sunbridge Solar, we have worked and won multiple competitive grants for our customers. People love using Sunbridge because we provide turnkey solar panel installations for all sizes of organizations. We in-house all grant writing, permits, utility paperwork, and installation and post-install support.

Pacific Power Blue Sky Solar Grants

For over 15 years, Pacific Power has funded over 100 new community-based renewable energy projects in Oregon. Blue Sky funding awards cover up to 100 percent of the capital costs to install qualified, new renewable energy systems for Pacific Power's non-residential sites. The projects that provide strong environmental, economic, and educational benefits are more likely to be awarded a Blue Sky Grant.

Funding Process

Funding is limited and varies year-by-year. Projects go through a competitive evaluation process, are selected annually, and have strict deadlines (see below). Selection of awarded projects is influenced by a number of factors, including the number and type of applications received. For example, a nonprofit or multi-family housing organization have historically seen higher chances of being awarded Blue Sky solar grants.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria for Blue Sky Solar Grants

Before you begin, filling out the application may sound daunting. That is why Sunbridge Solar in houses all grant writing, incentive, utility, and permit paperwork. Every project is graded on feasibility/readiness, costs, financing, additionality and community benefits as well as Blue Sky public exposure. Below is a list of questions and preferred project characteristics to assist you to make a decision.

Preferred Project Characteristics

Projects will have additional weighting if they include;

• Solar tied to electric vehicle charging and/or microgrid

• Targets underserved populations (low income or rural)

• Provide robust public engagement and education plans

• Use local materials and labor

• Have a solar contractor that is financially/time invested the project

Evaluation criteria summary of Project Feasibility

• Technology – How appropriate is the proposed renewable energy technology/design for the site?

• Readiness – How far along is the renewable energy project in the development process? How feasible is the project plan and installation timeline?

• Capability – How adept and motivated is the project team?

• Cost – How complete and competitive is the budget? Is the Blue Sky funding request reasonable?

• Financing – How feasible is the financing model? What is the level of confidence that the project will be fully financed in the required timeframe?

• Additionality – Are Blue Sky funds required for the project to be successful?

• Community impact – How much will the renewable energy project benefit the community, local economy, and renewable energy industry?

• Education – How physically visible is the project? How robust is the education plan?

• Recognition – How robust is the plan to recognize Blue Sky customers for their contribution?

Let Sunbridge Solar Help

At Sunbridge Solar, we have worked and won multiple competitive grants for various organizations. People love using Sunbridge because we in-house all grant writing, permits, utility paperwork, and installation and post-install support. Get started today by calling us at (360) 313-7190 or sign up for us to call you.