Energy Trust awarded nine organizations a total of $81,000 in solar innovation grants to develop community-centric models that help Oregonians with low and moderate incomes benefit from solar technology. The idea emerged from a series of workgroups Energy Trust hosted around the state with low-income advocates, organizations that serve low-income communities of color, affordable housing providers and energy assistance practitioners.

From Wallowa to Lake counties, recipients will test a variety of innovative models. This includes developing solar curriculum and financial incentives for soon-to-be homeowners, designing a model to pass on solar financial benefits to tenants in affordable multifamily buildings, and bringing solar solutions to qualifying Habitat for Humanity Homes.