Last checked: November 6, 2026
Solar shouldn't depend on what you can afford. These organizations and programs help people get solar and clean power at little or no cost. SolarTriage isn't paid by or affiliated with any of them; this is information, not an endorsement.
Installs solar for income-qualified families at little or no cost, with volunteer and job-trainee crews. Helps low-income households in the U.S. Impact: over 38,000 households served and over $887 million in lifetime energy savings (as of September 2026). Take part: apply for help, volunteer on an install, or donate.
Organizes neighborhood solar co-ops so groups of about 50 to 100 neighbors buy together at lower prices, and runs a free Solar Help Desk. Helps homeowners in participating states. Take part: join a co-op, use the Help Desk, or donate.
Finances solar for nonprofits, such as houses of worship and community groups, that can't easily borrow, with priority for those serving low- and moderate-income communities. Impact: $10 million in solar projects over three years, expected to save nonprofits $20 million on electric bills (as of March 2023). Take part: nonprofits apply; donors fund new projects.
Brings solar generators and solar trailers to disaster zones in place of fuel generators. Helps communities after hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Impact: over 70 solar units, deployed to more than 20 sites after Hurricane Ida (as of February 2023). Take part: donate or partner.
Trains and supports women entrepreneurs who sell solar lights and clean energy products in their communities in Africa. Impact: 6 million people reached and over 13,400 women entrepreneurs supported since 2010 (as of November 2026). Take part: donate.
Twenty years after its first install, GRID Alternatives went back to the San Carlos, California home of Bob and Lorrayne Murphy, its very first clients, to upgrade their solar. "This home is where our mission began," said co-founder Tim Sears.
In 2007, Walter and Diego went door to door in Mt. Pleasant, Washington, D.C., and in two weeks signed up about 50 neighbors who wanted solar. Their co-op grew into Solar United Neighbors.
After a December 2022 tornado near New Orleans, Footprint Project kept a food bank's freezers cold and a pastor's electric wheelchair charged. "Something as simple as this portable battery library helped save lives," said partner Asia Ognibene.
Since 2010, more than 13,400 women in Africa have built small businesses selling solar lights through Solar Sister, bringing clean energy to about 6 million people.
EPA Solar for All ($7 billion). Meant to help low-income households get solar through state and local programs. EPA ended it in August 2025. In September 2026, federal courts in Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. ruled the termination unlawful, and EPA was reviewing whether to appeal. "Solar for All is in the courts. Check your state's program for its current status."
The federal homeowner solar tax credit (30%) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. That makes nonprofit and state help more important for families on tight budgets.
State and utility programs. Check your state energy office and your utility's low-income programs, including any low-income community solar.
Real no-cost programs do exist, like GRID Alternatives, but they come through an application you start, never a surprise call.