Generac Power Systems Secures $200 Million DOE Grant for Puerto Rico Solar Initiative

Generac Power Systems , a global leader in energy technology solutions, announced today that it has been awarded up to $200 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). The grant, part of a $1 billion initiative, will support the Programa Acceso Solar (Solar Access Program) aimed at installing residential solar and battery storage systems for disadvantaged households in Puerto Rico. Installations are set to commence in August 2024.

Generac, in collaboration with local affiliates, will bring clean and resilient energy to low-income areas and households with residents who have energy-dependent disabilities, addressing frequent and prolonged power outages. This effort aligns with Puerto Rico’s renewable energy goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2050 and will also create clean energy jobs. Puerto Rican residents can apply for the program via the Programa Acceso Solar website.

“We’ve been providing reliable backup power solutions to Puerto Rico for over 20 years, including during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” stated Aaron Jagdfeld, President and CEO of Generac. “We are proud to receive this DOE grant to offer clean, resilient, and efficient power to underserved communities.”

Maria Robinson, Director of DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, emphasized the program’s impact: “The Programa Acceso Solar will significantly enhance energy access for vulnerable households. We are pleased to partner with Generac to improve energy resilience across Puerto Rico.”

Generac will collaborate with several companies for this initiative:

• PathStone, a nonprofit organization active in Puerto Rico since 1998, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), a clean energy nonprofit, will coordinate community efforts and serve as liaisons.
• FR-BLDM, a leading local contractor, will oversee installations with local, family-owned businesses.
• Juapi Energy, a PWRcell installer and Generac Service Dealer, will provide installation and service support.
• Palmetto, a climate technology company, will extend its fintech platform, installation partner portal, and asset management services to facilitate the solar transition.

“Supporting local companies is crucial to our mission of providing reliable and sustainable energy to Puerto Rico’s most vulnerable communities,” said Norm Taffe, President of Energy Technology at Generac. “This collaboration not only enhances our on-the-ground efforts but also promotes job creation and community development, ensuring high-quality, resilient power solutions.”