New funding updates and opportunities in the Alberta Municipal Solar Program

The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) is pleased to announce an extension of funding and updates to the Alberta Municipal Solar Program (AMSP).

The popular program launched in 2016  was approaching full subscription of its original $5 million grant. To date, the AMSP has supported 60 projects in 28 municipalities across the province, which combined will support 83 jobs and reduce more than 102,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions during their lifecycles.

The AMSP provides funding to Alberta municipalities who install grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on municipally owned facilities or land and complete public engagement for the project. Solar PV is a technology that converts sunlight into direct current electricity by using semiconductors. This technology allows adopters to independently generate clean renewable energy and reduce the costs on their electricity bills.

Now, thanks to additional funding from the Government of Alberta, municipalities who have not yet had a chance to participate in this exciting program can still apply.

Among the changes now in effect for the AMSP, the maximum eligible rebate per project has increased from 25 per cent to 30 per cent of eligible expenses.

Additionally, an increased incentive for first-time applicants is now available. The first-time applicant bonus rebate of $0.25/watt is available to municipalities that have not previously participated in the AMSP for their first project. Any municipality that has already received an incentive through the AMSP for a completed project, or has signed an AMSP Implementation Funding Agreement for a project under construction and yet to be completed since the launch of the program on February 5, 2016, is not eligible for this bonus.

AMSP funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and municipalities are eligible to submit multiple applications.

For more information on the AMSP and updated program terms and conditions, go to www.mccac.ca/programs/AMSP.