The outcome of the project is to install resilient solar photovoltaic (PV) panels plus battery storage (solar+storage) systems at two to four community health centers serving low-income communities in…

The Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy awarded Clean Energy Group $1,000,000 on August 1, 2026, under the Renewable Energy Research and Development program (CFDA 81.087) to design and install solar photovoltaic plus battery storage systems at two to four community health centers serving low-income populations in Vermont.

The project delivers resilient backup power infrastructure enabling the health centers to maintain essential medical services during grid disruptions, while reducing annual utility costs. The systems will also create opportunities for the health centers to participate in utility demand-response programs, allowing utilities to access stored power during peak demand periods and providing grid stabilization services that reduce electricity costs for all ratepayers. Clean Energy Group will document and disseminate lessons learned to support expansion of the model to additional health centers and other critical community facilities.

Clean Energy Group, a Vermont-based nonprofit focused on clean energy and resilient energy infrastructure, will execute the work with performance location at Montpelier, Vermont. The project runs through April 30, 2028.

The outcome of the project is to install resilient solar photovoltaic (PV) panels plus battery storage (solar+storage) systems at two to four community health centers serving low-income communities in vermont. The project will meet the overarching goal of providing resilient and reliable backup power to the health care facilities during grid disruptions, allowing them to continue delivering essential medical services to vulnerable populations, as well as provide utility bill cost savings to the health centers throughout the year. Through collaboration with local utilities, the project will explore opportunities for the health centers to participate in utility programs, allowing the utility to access stored power during times of peak energy demand and to provide other essential grid services, reducing electricity system costs for all ratepayers. Lessons learned will be documented and disseminated with the goal of expanding the effort to additional health centers and other critical community facilities.