Midwest green bank partners with IBEW for low-income solar grant projects
Growth Opportunity Partners, 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 under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Growth Opps is the lead applicant for the $250 million grant on behalf of the Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition (IHSC), representing 31 cities in eight states.
The Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition application to the EPA, led by Growth Opps and presented to the Solar for All program, uniquely provides full funding for residential and community solar installations by leveraging the energy tax credits newly available through the Inflation Reduction Act and transfers ownership of residential solar energy projects to program beneficiaries at no cost. The program will impact nearly 30,000 homes across IHSC’s eight-state region, with 100% of its 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 financed by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Both organizations will work together to promote the use of Labor Agreements, comply with Davis-Bacon requirements and expand IBEW’s training and apprenticeship 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 Growth Opps CEO Michael Jeans. “This partnership ensures we will have a skilled labor force ready to provide high-quality solar installations to complete nearly 30,000 rooftops for low-income residents.”
The Solar for All program, administered by Growth Opps, will provide subawards to a network of community foundations, cities and counties that constitute the IHSC. These program partners will play a crucial role in identifying eligible applicants and beneficiaries while also contributing to the development of a clean energy workforce 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 power, while creating good, family sustaining IBEW jobs that will open the doors of opportunity for communities across the country.”
News item from Growth Opportunity Partners