The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announced a recent award of $62.4 million under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program.

This substantial investment will empower low and moderate-income households across Guam with access to renewable energy solutions, marking a significant stride toward sustainability and environmental equity.

The Guam Energy Office was the main applicant for the territory of Guam, and funding for this award should be available by September 2024.  Additional program details will be announced, once available.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said, “The Solar for All program will focus on homeowners who have long been excluded from harnessing the benefits of solar energy due to financial constraints. By leveraging a unique combination of energy efficiency audits, weatherization support, and facilitated access to solar through an advantageous loan program, participating households will witness a substantial reduction in their monthly electricity bills. This initiative presents an opportunity for households to save on their energy expenses and generate revenue by selling surplus solar electricity back to Guam’s power utility. This symbiotic relationship strengthens the local grid infrastructure while advancing Guam’s renewable energy mandate, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”

“In the wake of the inspiring discussions and collective action witnessed at the recent Center of Island Sustainability conference and Earth Day celebrations, our administration eagerly welcomes the $62 million award under the U.S. EPA’s Solar for All program,” added Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.

He continued, “In our pursuit of a cleaner, greener Guam, we look forward to working closely with the leadership at the Guam Energy Office, the Guam Power Authority, our business community, and non-profit partners who will be instrumental in the successful execution of these environmentally-conscious initiatives. Together, we stand poised to leverage innovation and community-driven efforts to forge a more luminous and eco-friendly future for all residents of Guam.”

GEO Director Rebecca Respicio said, “The GEO has developed a meaningful benefits plan allowing us to work directly with applicants to help them realize a 20% savings on the beneficiaries’ power bill. This will be achieved through an educational component in partnership with the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability. Once the beneficiary population eligible for this project is identified, the Guam Power Authority will conduct an energy audit of the energy consumption of each household and provide recommendations that would decrease their energy cost and reduce the loan amount needed. The households will then be directed to the Guam Economic Development Authority for an affordable loan program. To further increase savings, households may be eligible for grants/subsidies that lower loan amounts depending on their income and starting energy bill.”

GPA General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., added, “GPA is happy for the success of its partnership with the Guam Energy Office, especially in seeking this funding, which resulted in a $62,450,000 award under the Solar for All program. This program enables qualified households to access solar, undergo energy audits, and switch to energy-efficient equipment, all of which result in lower costs for low to moderate-income households in Guam.”

“Solar For All is a transformative opportunity for our island to accelerate its transition to a thriving green economy. Our team is excited to partner on this project in support of our sustainable future,” said Dr. Austin J. Shelton, director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

“The Guam Economic Development Authority sees Solar for All as a win-win for local small businesses who assist households in increasing access to affordable (solar or renewable) programs. We are happy to assist the Guam Energy Office in underwriting and back office loan support in launching the program,” added GEDA CEO & Administrator Melanie Mendiola.

For more information on the U.S. EPA’s Solar for All program, visit https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-7-billion-solar-all-grants-deliver-residential.