On June 24, 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $10.5 million in funding for solar energy education for local governments. Through this funding opportunity, DOE intends to provide outreach to many more local governments across the U.S. that have not been part of the Solar America Cities program, enabling those local governments to take informed action to expand their local solar market.

Under this new Solar America Cities – Technical Outreach funding opportunity, DOE intends to select one or more partner organizations to provide local governments across the U.S. with actionable information that will enable them to accelerate solar energy deployment. The partner organization(s) will assist DOE in proactively addressing the solar-related information needs of significant local markets, as well as provide a mechanism by which DOE can respond to requests from individual local governments for timely information on solar energy.

DOE is seeking to reach multiple levels of local government stakeholders through this activity, such as mayors and city council members, county officials, sustainability and environmental staff, and planners. Other relevant audiences may include local businesses, utilities, schools, and relevant non-profit organizations.

To best accelerate solar energy deployment, DOE encourages local governments to take a comprehensive approach as opposed to a project-by-project approach. Therefore, DOE seeks to provide information in many relevant areas, including solar policies and regulations, financial incentives, workforce training, and utility and community engagement.

DOE encourages partnering among outreach organizations as necessary to best accomplish the goals of this activity.

Applications to the Solar America Cities – Technical Outreach Funding Opportunity are due October 15, 2009, and DOE anticipates making selections by January 15, 2010.