The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced today that they will partner to administer a $156 million program to expand the use of renewable solar energy in traditionally underserved communities in Ohio.

According to press release, the new program will provide grants and low-cost financing for residential and community solar energy projects in disadvantaged areas. The goal is for the program to allow for lower electricity bills in low to moderate income households. It will also maximize the number of underserved households with solar energy generation, delivering cost savings for families, and improving air quality through decreased greenhouse gas emissions. 

The EPA says the program will also create jobs, as the it will contribute to the economy by creating the workforce needed to deploy these solar energy systems across the state.

"We look forward to dispersing these funds in ways that will dramatically impact the lives of people in low-income and disadvantaged communities," says OAQDA Executive Director Christina O'Keeffe. "These funds are designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens of our Ohio families while spurring economic growth and creating healthier air for all Ohioans."

Today's announcement, which coincides with Earth Day, builds on the work already underway by both Ohio EPA and OAQDA.

"We are thrilled to support projects that will have direct and immediate impacts on the state's economy, environment and public health. These funds are closing the gap in access to solar energy," says Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel.

Funding from the program comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's federal Solar for All program, which announced funding for 60 solar energy programs this morning. Ohio's project was selected through a competitive process.

The distribution of the $156 million will start later this year.

More information is available at Ohioairquality.org.