Despite D.C. Turmoil, USVI Solar Program Moves Forward to Benefit Residents

While recent developments in Congress have stirred uncertainty around federal domestic spending, residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands can still count on a major clean energy investment moving forward. The $62.5 million “Solar for All ah We” (SAW) grant remains intact, according to the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO).

The funding, awarded in December 2024 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is still available. Despite a domestic policy bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, the VIEO confirmed Friday that the grant has not been rescinded and that funds remain available to be drawn down.

The SAW program is intended to improve everyday life for residents across the territory. It will:

• Help lower energy bills by expanding access to solar power

• Provide clean, reliable power to households that often face outages

• Focus on underserved communities with the greatest energy burdens

• Improve energy resilience through systems that include battery storage

• Create local jobs through the hiring of new staff to implement the program

• Offer options for both homeowners and renters through rooftop and community solar projects

• Provide low-interest loans to help residents afford solar installations

• Reduce long-term reliance on imported fuels and lower the cost of living

  
  

VIEO staff remain in weekly contact with the EPA, and planning is underway to bring the program to life. Several new positions are being created to manage the program, with onboarding expected to begin soon.

The SAW program builds on the territory’s Solar Plus Financing pilot and aims to bring long-term energy relief and opportunity to communities most in need. Early funding from the EPA is already being used to support administrative work, including hiring a program director and developing a program design.

As federal discussions continue in Washington, local officials say SAW is moving forward—and focused on bringing real energy solutions to the people of the Virgin Islands.