Low-Income Austinites to Save on Energy Bills with Free Solar Panels from $30M Solar for All Investment

The City Council has dedicated $30 million to the Solar for All program, which will assist low-income Austinites. 

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The federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund from the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act will allow Austin Energy to install free solar panels and storage systems on qualifying households. Participants' energy expenses will drop 20% while the initiative generates sustainable energy.

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Austin Energy targets medically vulnerable persons who need steady power for vital medical devices and low-income households earning $62,000 or less. Residents will be protected during power outages by the battery systems.

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Brian Korgel, head of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for a Solar Powered Future, says this paradigm removes financial hurdles to renewable energy. Austin Energy owns the solar equipment for 15 years, but households can buy it afterward.

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Solar for All investments promote green energy workforce development as part of a $7 billion national strategy. As the state and nation shift away from fossil fuels, the Texas Solar for All Coalition will work with minority- and women-owned firms to create stable green sector jobs.

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Korgel says, “Addressing climate change is crucial, but this also reduces local emissions, improving health outcomes in the community.”

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