Solar Empowerment Program

Are you looking to make your home more energy-efficient? Interested in saving money on your monthly energy bill? Do you know how solar energy works? Are solar companies telling you that you don’t use enough electricity to get a solar system?

Solar energy allows you to reduce the cost of energy used in your home, reduces pollution and supports energy independence. We are here to help you! We partner with Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) to provide loans and grants to low-income households for roof-top solar systems in order to create environmental resilience for low-income communities in the Tucson Metropolitan Area.

IMPORTANT: This program is currently open only to homeowners in single-family homes (no mobile homes or apartments). Your roof should be in good condition, and the structure must be appropriate for solar panels and permitted. If you are behind on your property taxes, they must be paid before acceptance into the program. Approval of an application by SERI does not guarantee that you will receive a solar rooftop system. Your home must meet all of the requirements for an installation. TFS has the final decision on installation of a solar rooftop system on your home.

Do You Qualify?

  • Total household income within the HUD low-income limits (see chart below)
  • Homeowner of a single-family home
  • Roof in good condition and appropriate for solar panels
  • Property taxes paid up-to-date and any prior loans from SERI

HUD Median Family Income Chart (Fiscal Year 2023)

HUD-FY-2023-Income-Limits-Summary

Required Documents for Eligibility

  • A photo of electrical panel
  • TEP bill
  • Social security number (during TFS visit)

How Does the Program Work?

  • Grants of up to 30% of the cost of your system if your income is between 50% – 80% of the HUD Median Family Income.
  • Grants of up to 50% of the cost of your system if your income is 50% or below the HUD Median Family Income.
  • TFS will assist you with obtaining loans from the Clean Energy Credit Union. Often your monthly loan payment will be less than your monthly savings on your electrical bill.
  • Installations may also qualify for federal and state tax credits.

Attend a workshop

Solar Empowerment Workshop – English

Renewable Energy

Solar Empowerment

  • Free

Harnessing the power of the sun has become increasingly important in the pursuit of renewable and sustainable sources of energy. This workshop is designed to provide participants with the understanding of solar technologies, their benefits, and their components, and maintenance. The second half of the workshop will cover how the Solar Empowerment Program works. This workshop is in English and about 1.5 hours long. For any questions please contact jella@seriaz.org or (520) 222-8067.

Taller de Empoderamiento Solar – Español

Renewable Energy

Solar Empowerment

  • Quincie Douglas Library
  • Free

Aprovechar el poder del sol se ha vuelto cada vez más importante en la búsqueda de fuentes de energía renovables y sostenibles. Este taller está diseñado para informar a los participantes la comprensión de las tecnologías solares, sus beneficios y sus componentes, y el mantenimiento. La segunda mitad del taller cubrirá cómo funciona el Programa de Empoderamiento Solar. Este taller está disponible en Español y la duración es de 1.5 horas. Para registrarse y cualquier preguntas, póngase en contacto con palmira.henriquez@seriaz.org o (520) 403-6905. Ubicación: Quincie Douglas Library 1585 E 36th St, Tucson, Arizona 85713

Solar Empowerment Workshop – English

Renewable Energy

Solar Empowerment

  • Quincie Douglas Library
  • Free

Harnessing the power of the sun has become increasingly important in the pursuit of renewable and sustainable sources of energy. This workshop is designed to provide participants with the understanding of solar technologies, their benefits, and their components, and maintenance. The second half of the workshop will cover how the Solar Empowerment Program works. This workshop is in English and about 1.5 hours long. For any questions please contact jella.tatil@seriaz.org or (520) 222-8067. Location: Quincie Douglas Library (1585 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713)