Climate Smart Missoula Helps Power Home ReSource with Ground-Mounted Solar Array

Home ReSource in Missoula installed a 115-panel solar array despite funding and structural hurdles.

The nonprofit completed a 60-kilowatt ground-mounted solar system to power its facility, overcoming challenges through a mix of grants, tax credits, and an $8,000 boost from Climate Smart Missoula’s Climate Catalyst Fund. This initiative highlights the growing need for alternative funding sources as federal support for clean energy projects dwindles.

Home ReSource’s roof could not support solar panels, prompting the ground-mounted approach. Rising costs and reduced federal incentives, due to policy rollbacks, tightened budgets for nonprofits pursuing sustainability. Climate Smart Missoula expanded its fund priorities to address these gaps, assisting with energy-efficient heat pumps for low-income housing and now raising money for electric bikes at the Missoula YWCA. Key partners include Clearwater Credit Union, which supports the fund through its carbon neutrality efforts.

Climate Smart Missoula is actively fundraising for future clean energy projects in the community.

Some Montana nonprofits and businesses might face similar funding obstacles as federal support fluctuates. Montana’s solar potential might encourage ground-mounted systems where structural constraints exist. Local initiatives like Climate Smart Missoula’s fund could play a role in bridging financial gaps for sustainability projects in Montana’s varied economic landscape.

With a loss of federal climate dollars, Missoula nonprofit seeks to bridge the gap
By Ellis Juhlin, Montana Free Press