DC Green Bank today announced $1.275 million in financing for Uprise Solar for the installation of solar energy systems at 74 homes and three churches across DC. The building owners will receive the energy from the solar arrays at no cost. More than two-thirds of the households that will benefit are located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, and at least 75% are low and moderate income. The loan will also finance solar arrays at 10 buildings in Maryland that are part of the DC grid, adding additional energy resilience to the District. The solar arrays are expected to generate over 1 MWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.8 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle each year.
This investment is DC Green Bank’s third loan to Uprise Solar, enabling $5 million in total investment and supporting a DC-based small business and certified business enterprise (CBE).
Uprise Solar’s partnership with DC Green Bank has helped it grow from a single employee to a staff of 30 in just over 3 years. With the support of DC Green Bank financing, Uprise has expanded from a solar construction company to owning and operating solar arrays, keeping the revenue and value of these systems in the District, rather than selling them to outside investors. Additionally, Uprise now installs battery storage, EV chargers, and roofing. Because of the growth and expansion of its business, Uprise employs its installers and construction team directly, providing steady, good-paying jobs.
“This financing shows DC Green Bank’s catalytic impact: saving families money, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “Our continued partnership with Uprise Solar has grown a business dedicated to the community, helping more District residents benefit from solar power and building the local economy.”
“DC Green Bank has helped accelerate our growth, bringing clean energy and utility bill savings to hundreds of DC families and helping us keep jobs and dollars in the District,” said Chris Sewell, Managing Director and Founder at Uprise Solar. “Our mission is to build an employee-focused culture at Uprise. Well-taken-care-of employees take great care of their customers. This is our way to do the best job we can sharing the benefits of solar power to DC residents regardless of income. DC Green Bank has helped us make that happen all along the way.”
DCGB Uprise Solar 2025 Press Release_8.20.25