The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced four Puerto-Rico-based teams selected to install solar and battery storage systems under its new Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, funded by DOE’s Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). This investment of up to $365 million aims to improve community-level energy resilience for vulnerable populations across Puerto Rico, funding solar and battery storage installations for community healthcare facilities as well as common areas within public housing and privately owned subsidized multi-family properties. This investment will also boost local workforce development opportunities in Puerto Rico.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring that Puerto Rico's most vulnerable residents are not forgotten during the transition to a more reliable and resilient grid,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “ Solar and battery storage is critical to this strategy, and thanks to the innovative Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, families will have expanded access to critical services and reliable electricity when and where they need it most.”
Teams selected for award negotiations under the Programa de Comunidades Resilientes have an existing presence in Puerto Rico and will coordinate the deployment of projects across many facilities or properties (e.g. 100-150) in partnership with local stakeholders. The selected teams include community-based organizations; nonprofit organizations; solar installation companies; engineering, procurement, and design firms; consultants, and more.
Multi-Family Housing Properties
Pending successful award negotiations, DOE anticipates awarding up to $190 million to fund solar and battery installations for common areas within public housing or privately owned multi-family housing properties subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. DOE anticipates funding projects that power common areas available to all residents as well as shared building infrastructure that depends on electricity, such as elevators. DOE selected the following projects and teams to enter award negotiations:
Community Healthcare Facilities
Pending successful award negotiations, DOE anticipates awarding up to $175 million to fund solar and battery storage installations for federally qualified healthcare centers, dialysis centers, and diagnostic and treatment centers in underserved and vulnerable communities. DOE anticipates funding projects that power critical health care services, such as trauma and emergency services and cold chains for vaccines and medicines. DOE selected the following projects and teams to enter award negotiations:
The Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF)
In December 2022, President Biden signed into law $1 billion for the establishment of the PR-ERF to drive key investments in resilient and renewable energy infrastructure for vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico. The Programa de Comunidades Resilientes is the second round of energy reliability investments under the PR-ERF. In July 2024, DOE announced its first installations of subsidized residential solar and battery storage systems through the PR-ERF's Programa Acceso Solar, connecting low-income Puerto Rican households with reliable and affordable energy. Residents of Puerto Rico can visit energy.gov/solarPR to check their eligibility and reach out to their local Solar Ambassador to apply.
