EBSCO Solar FAQs

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc. and shares EBSCO Industries’ commitment to the environment. EBSCO Industries, Inc. donates part of its pre-tax profits to worthwhile endeavors and believes that companies should do their part to give back and to be environmentally responsible. EBSCO now has three photovoltaic arrays totaling more than 500 panels.

EBSCO has worked with a number of solar companies and engineering groups during our own solar upgrades. We will leverage their expertise in solar installation and procurement procedures to assess which libraries have the best plans and which can support a solar array that will make the most impact on their environmental footprint and their utility costs.

EBSCO will provide the winning institutions with a check for the full amount of the grant. A grant agreement form will be agreed upon between the winning library and EBSCO and a timetable for the project will be shared.

There are a number of criteria that will be used to assess the viability of each submission. For instance, a site with a large roof surface and a roof that is new enough to last 20 years would make an excellent candidate. A library that has already started to investigate solar as an option or one that could support a solar array large enough to offset its electricity costs would be viewed favorably. An institution with an existing sustainability program, a plan to involve its patrons or students in the project or high community involvement would also receive consideration.

No, there are no restrictions. All academic, school and public libraries that are current EBSCO customers are eligible to apply for the EBSCO Solar grant program.

EBSCO will pay for the initial installation through the grant. The library, town, or college will own the system and will be responsible for all post-installation/ongoing maintenance of the solar array.

Any institution with access to EBSCO subscriptions or services is eligible to apply for the EBSCO Solar grant. The application includes a narrative section for institutions that do not have an account number or have special circumstances, allowing them to provide additional details.

Yes. If you do not have a customer number, the application has a narrative section to explain special circumstances.

Yes! EBSCO customers worldwide are welcome to apply. You can find a list of past winners here. 

Solar panels typically last 25-30 years. Before applying, we recommend institutions have or have plans to install a roof that would sustain the solar panel lifespan.

The grant can be used for existing or new buildings.

No. Solar panels can roof or ground installed.

A "list of list" is an inventory style document institutions use to compile specifications from a proposed project. If an institution plans to apply and has not yet met with an installation company, the narrative section can be used to explain further. 

EBSCO Solar does not set a minimum or maximum award amount. Each year, the total grant pool is distributed across the winning institutions, so individual award amounts vary based on the number of recipients.

EBSCO doesn’t provide a target or minimum threshold for electricity replacement, so proposals can vary quite a bit in what they project.

If you are awarded the grant, we would provide timetables and reporting guidelines.