City of Bloomington Sustainability Expands Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) Grant Program to Include Battery Energy Storage Systems for Nonprofits

The City of Bloomington Department of Economic and Sustainable Development (ESD) is expanding its annual Solar, Energy Efficiency, & Lighting (SEEL) program to subsidize battery energy storage system installations for nonprofit organizations in addition to solar system installations.

The SEEL program provides technical assistance and grant funding for small businesses and nonprofits to install sustainable energy systems. Up to $25,000 in grant funding is available to eligible small businesses for solar installations, and up to $45,000 is available for eligible nonprofits for solar installations and battery energy storage systems. Battery energy storage systems allow organizations to store low-cost solar energy and use it later, during periods of peak electricity use rates.

“Pairing solar system installations with a battery energy storage system is another step toward energy efficiency and increasing resilience to climate change,” said Jolie Perry, ESD Sustainability Program Coordinator. “By providing power during widespread outages, it allows nonprofits to continue providing essential services to our community during times of critical need.”

Small businesses must have fewer than 500 full-time employees and operate at least one facility within city limits to participate. Organizations that do not own their facility may participate with their property owner’s permission.

Participating organizations receiving a solar system installation will receive a solar feasibility assessment from the City’s SEEL program partner, Solar Energy Solutions, and a $25,000 grant for a minimum 8 kW solar system installation or addition to an existing solar system. 

Applications for both solar and battery systems will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funding has been allocated. Any remaining project costs can be covered through a one-time payment or financed through low-interest loans from Clean Energy Credit Union or Hoosier Hills Credit Union. Additional rebates and tax incentives, including federal and state tax credits and incentives, are also available.

Returning SEEL program participants are encouraged to apply; however, they must have received their most recent grant at least 12 months prior. 

To date, the SEEL program has helped 54 Bloomington businesses and community organizations to install solar and/or undertake energy efficiency upgrades.

More information about the program, funding, and the application form link are available at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/seel. Questions should be directed to sustain@bloomington.in.gov. 

For more information about the City’s ongoing sustainability and climate efforts, visit bloomington.in.gov/sustainability or the City’s climate action dashboard bloomington.climatenavhub.com.