Distributed Energy
Production & Storage

The Distributed Energy Production and Storage Technical Assistance Hub is a resource to support Community Lenders, project developers, businesses and communities develop and finance projects that deploy renewable power generation and storage technologies plus enabling infrastructure. Our goal is to educate and support the development of projects that meet Green Bank criteria.  

Eligible for financing are projects, activities, and technologies that develop and deploy small-scale renewable power generation, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Storage technologies (typically 1 kW to 10,000 kW), and enabling infrastructure necessary for deployment and storage, are also eligible.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Rooftop solar (with or without storage) on single family or multi-family residential buildings
  • Rooftop solar (with or without storage) on commercial or institutional buildings
  • Community solar or wind projects
  • Stand-alone energy storage
  • Replacement of diesel generators with solar and battery storage
  • Green energy generation and/or storage systems that support microgrids
  • Distribution system upgrades necessary for project interconnection

Resources

The Green Bank will provide a list of Qualified TA Providers with expertise and experience in.  Distributed Energy and Storage. Services available will include:

  • Project Scoping and Engineering — reviewing project design and equipment sizing
  • Technology and Equipment Review — assessing the choice of technologies and equipment
  • Performance Forecasting — identifying the expected performance over the life of a project and the financial impact
  • Operation and Maintenance Budgeting — forecasting the costs and resources required for equipment repair, replacement and maintenance
  • Savings Estimates and Measurement — Utility Interconnect Support- review or preparation of interconnect applications
  • Contractor Networks and Training — identifying and reviewing contractors and potential training needs
  • Risk Assessment — reviewing financial and operating risks regarding a project
  • Financial structuring including tax credit structuring (See Financial Structuring Hub) 
  • Market Studies
  • Business Planning
  • Other services

The Green Bank will provide a list of Qualified TA Providers with expertise and experience in projects. The TA Hub will also provide a growing collection of tools, information, and expert guidance to support the implementation of projects funded through the Green Bank, including:

Project Examples

Review examples of projects that would meet Green Bank criteria if implemented in eligible communities.

Templates & Toolkits

Access ready-made templates and tools to guide your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions and concerns.

Webinars, White Papers and Training

Participate in training and educational resources.

Best Practices & Case Studies

Learn from successful projects and see how others have implemented successful projects that meet Green Bank criteria.

Apply to participate as a Technical Assistance Provider

Green Bank for Rural America is seeking Technical Assistance Providers with expertise to support community lenders, project developers, and communities in each of the six Hub areas:

  • Net-Zero Emissions Building/High Performance Buildings
  • Financing Strategies 
  • Distributed Energy Production and Storage
  • Zero-Emissions Transportation 
  • Community Engagement
  • Workforce Development
Go to the Request for Proposals

The Request for Proposal covers these areas:

1

Green Bank Consultant Services

We seek proposals from consultants with relevant experience in any of the six TA Hubs Areas listed above. The Green Bank will review proposals and qualify consultants to ensure they have proven, relevant experience in the Green Bank TA subject matter. Qualified consultants and their relevant areas of expertise will be listed on the Green Bank website.

2

Supporting Resources

TA Providers may also be asked to submit supporting resources to be shared on our website including project examples, templates & toolkits, webinars, white papers, training materials, and case studies.

Additional Resources

  • Community Power Accelerator, U.S. Department of Energy platform focusing on equitable solar projects; connecting project developers, investors, philanthropists, and community organizations.

  • Community Solar Developer Workbook, U.S. Department of Energy workbook that provides tools and advice to guide development of community solar projects that benefit low-to-moderate income households.

  • PV Watts Solar Calculator, National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) Calculator that estimates energy production of grid-connected solar PV systems for homeowners.

  • InSPIRE | Open Energy Information, The InSPIRE project “ Innovative Solar Practices Integrated with Rural Economies and Ecosystems” explores the environmental compatibility and mutual benefits of solar development with agriculture and native landscapes.

© 2024 Green Bank for Appalachia, Energy Communities, and Underserved Rural America