Duke Energy has awarded US$400,000 in solar grants for 16 not-for-profit organisations in Indiana that will help finance the installation of PV systems.

This funding comes from a Duke Energy settlement agreement with the Citizens Action Coalition, the Duke Energy Industrial Group, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Nucor Steel, Save the Valley, Sierra Club and Valley Watch.

Duke Energy Indiana President Melody Birmingham-Byrd noted: "From a Head Start classroom in Princeton to a 1925 armory converted to affordable apartments for seniors in Columbus, there is a diversity of projects in these grants. These are organizations with environmental goals as well as community-oriented missions."

This program — titled  "Solar Uniting Neighbors," or "SUN” — will provide access to PV technology across Indiana. Prosperity Indiana, a community economic development organization, will serve as the program's administrator.

Andy Fraizer, executive director of Prosperity Indiana, added: "Prosperity Indiana members create sustainable communities and economic opportunity for low-wealth Hoosiers. The Solar Uniting Neighbors program is a catalyst for economic freedom by converting the energy of the sun into household and organizational cost savings. It was gratifying for our team to partner with Duke Energy and consumer groups to make these grant investments and impact lives."

Projects receiving funding as part of SUN include: Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Program, Community Action Program (low-income client home in Franklin), Community Action Program (low-income client home in Princeton), Community Action Program of Evansville, Crawford County Family Health and more.