Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is expanding its Solar Grant program to new heights with more than $1 million in awards this year given throughout our service territory.
PSE has worked with local organizations and Tribes for nearly a decade, awarding an average of more than $700,000. This year, however, PSE increased the total awards amount to $1,127,961 for 16 solar projects spread out among 14 recipients.
The additional funds support implementation of PSE’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan, which begins to chart our path towards carbon neutrality in 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2045.
“It’s particularly rewarding at PSE when we can partner with our communities to help shape the energy system of the future together,” PSE Senior Vice President and Chief Customer and Transformation Officer Aaron August said. “This year, we’re bringing Solar Grants to more organizations than ever, working hand-in-hand with our community recipients so they can invest in what matters most to them, while reducing their energy bills.”
Grant recipients include local non-profits and Tribal entities. In addition to saving recipients money on their utilities, the projects will serve to increase clean energy accessibility in the region.
Ensuring the energy systems at organizations like Saving Pets One at a Time (SPOT) in Burlington are working at maximum efficiency won’t save the animals. But it will enable the shelter to put even more focus on the animals it cares for.
“Receiving this solar grant will significantly reduce our operating costs, allowing us to redirect vital resources toward rescuing and caring for more animals in need,” said SPOT Treasurer Robert Haught. “By transitioning to solar energy, we’re not only fostering a more sustainable future but also enhancing our ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the animals we serve.”
Projects funded by these grants generate a total of about 758,000 kWh, annually, equivalent to powering nearly 72 average homes, with newly installed solar around the Puget Sound region. PSE has provided $5.9 million in grant funding over the last 8 years, resulting in more than 2,800,000 kWh of annual energy added to the grid. PSE’s Solar Grant program will offer another competitive funding cycle in summer 2025.
Grant recipients partnered with local solar installation companies such as A&R Solar, Banner Electric, Barron Heating, Soltera Solar, Whidbey Sun and Wind, Ecotech Solar, Western Solar, Sphere Solar Energy, and South Sound Solar. The solar companies helped recipients complete their grant applications and will work to have their solar panels installed and producing energy in 2025.
List of recipients:
| Organization | County |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue | King |
| Burlington Lutheran Church | Skagit |
| Community Boating Center | Whatcom |
| Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services | King |
| El Centro de la Raza | King |
| Episcopal Retirement Communities | Kitsap |
| Habitat for Humanity – Whatcom County | Whatcom |
| Homes First – Leach | Thurston |
| Home First – Pinecrest | Pierce |
| Home First – Shadberry | Thurston |
| Island Roots Housing | Island |
| Khalsa Gurmat Center | King |
| Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church | Skagit |
| Nisqually – Spirit Center | Nisqually Tribe |
| North Kitsap Fishline | Kitsap |
| Saving Pets One at a Time | Whatcom |
Am I the only one that wonders if this free money (grants) is coming from the higher energy prices I pay to run my home? Therefore, am I not donating this money?