Announcing Solar for All

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

As Vermonters know all too well, we are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change. Drought, floods, forest fires, heat waves, and extreme weather disturbances are causing massive devastation to our country and the world.

Anyone who tells you that climate change is a “hoax” or that the United States should not help lead the world in transforming our energy systems away from fossil fuels is threatening the health and well-being of our children and grandchildren — and the future of the planet. We cannot allow that to happen.

That is why I was delighted that on Monday, April 22, President Biden, I, and other environmental leaders announced the $7 billion Solar for All program – legislation that I introduced as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This program will bring $62 million into Vermont to enable low- and medium-income Vermonters to benefit from solar panels.  

The advantage of solar panels is not only that they reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet, they also save consumers substantial amounts of money on their electric bills. When solar panels are installed on a rooftop it is not uncommon for electric bills to go down by as much as 70-90% — depending upon solar exposure. That’s huge — and amounts, on average, to about $1,250 a year in savings — over $100 a month.

The problem is that, in order to get those annual savings, you need to make an initial investment. And, depending upon the size of your home, that investment in solar panels may be as much as $10,000 or $20,000 — which is a lot of money for the average American.  

And that’s where the Solar for All program comes in. This program will provide grants and loans to working class families to help cover the cost of installing solar rooftops or participating in community based solar projects. Families who have not been able to utilize solar panels in the past will now be able to do so.

I will be working very closely with the EPA and the Vermont Public Service Department to get this money out the door as quickly as possible. When the time comes to apply, you will be hearing from me with more information.

The Solar for All program will protect our environment, cut down on electric bills and create jobs. It’s an important step forward for Vermont and the country.

Sincerely,