1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Solar Energy Deployment Act of 2013”.
Solar Energy Deployment Act of 2013
A BILL
To provide for the establishment of a grant program to assist State and local governments to install solar energy systems.
2. Definitions
In this Act:
Qualifying solar equipment— The term “qualifying solar equipment” means property described in clause (i) or (ii) of section 48(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Secretary— The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.
State and local governments— The term “State and local governments” includes municipalities, counties, transit agencies, school districts, water districts, Indian tribes, and territories. Such term does not include an entity eligible for a credit allowed under section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to qualifying solar equipment.
3. Solar energy grant program
Establishment— The Secretary shall establish a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to State and local governments for the design, purchase, and installation of qualifying solar equipment on rooftops or parking structures owned by the State or local government.
Competitive criteria— In determining which State and local governments to award grants to under this section, the Secretary shall consider—
the speed with which solar energy systems can be deployed;
the total amount of solar energy to be deployed;
the financial need of the State or local government;
the use of best practices to ensure maximum efficiency of deployed systems;
the use of materials and components that are manufactured in the United States; and
other criteria the Secretary considers relevant.
4. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this Act $150,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2014 through 2018.