SEEL Solar Grants

Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Lighting (SEEL) grants provide funding and technical assistance to local businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations to install solar panels and battery energy storage systems. 

SEEL Solar Grant Benefits

• $25,000 Solar Grant - All installations are performed by the program partner solar contractor, Solar Energy Solutions. When an applicant is approved, the solar contractor will assess the site, create a project proposal, and supply a contract to the grant recipient. The City of Bloomington sponsors the contract cost.
• $20,000 Battery Grant - Only for nonprofits providing essential services related to food, housing, health, and other social support. All installations are performed by the program partner solar contractor, Solar Energy Solutions. The City of Bloomington sponsors the contract cost up to $20,000.
• $45,000 Solar and Battery Grant - Only for nonprofit applicants who do not already have solar or a battery. All installations are performed by the program partner solar contractor, Solar Energy Solutions. The City of Bloomington sponsors the contract cost.

Eligible projects

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panel system installation or addition - minimum system size of 8kW
  • System size is scaled to the grant amount, unless the grant recipient voluntarily seeks additional solar capacity. Project costs above the grant amount are the responsibility of the recipient.
• Battery systems offered by the program partner Solar Energy Solutions will be sized to the best available capacity not to exceed the grant amount, unless the grant recipient voluntarily seeks additional storage capacity. Battery grants are reserved for nonprofits that may need a backup power supply for essential social services related to food, health, housing, and other services.
• Buildings in a historic district must contact the City of Bloomington Historic Preservation Program Manager Noah Sandweiss (noah.sandweiss@bloomington.in.gov) to review any proposed changes to the exterior of the building before pursuing a grant.

Application and Program Process 

1. Submit the eligibility check form using the SEEL online application system in CiviForm. Log in with your Access Indiana account or create a new account.
2. For organizations that lease their facility: the eligibility check form will ask you to provide contact information for the property owner so that the City can request their signature on a Building Owner Disclosure and Agreement Form.
3. Eligible applicants will receive a link to complete the second and final application stage. The SEEL program coordinator will reach out to discuss your application.
4. Accepted applicants will be connected with the contractor program partner SES to schedule the site assessment visit.
5. SES will produce a project proposal and installation contract for you to sign.
6. SES will proceed with the project installation and utility interconnection arrangements.
7. SES will invoice the City for the cost of the installation. If you opt in for an installation larger than the grant size, you will be responsible for paying the additional cost. 

Additional Financial Incentives

In addition to grants provided through the SEEL program, participants are encouraged to take advantage of readily available financial opportunities such as:

• federal tax credits
• electric utility credits
• state property tax exemptions
• low interest loans

Review the commercial rebates and financing web page for more information. These opportunities are optional and are the responsibility of the applicant to pursue, though the City will provide guidance where possible.