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Nonprofits across the nation are saving with solar energy, and using those savings to support their critical missions. Now is always the best time to start your project, but today there are three reasons it’s especially critical to start as soon as possible.
1. July 4 deadline: If you’ve been following CollectiveSun’s webinars and articles about solar policy changes resulting from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3), you know you need to act now to benefit from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) before it’s phased out. Read below for details on the critical July 4 deadline.
2. Rising electricity costs: Electricity costs are skyrocketing across the nation, and there’s every indication they’ll keep rising (more on that in our reading list below). The good news: higher electricity prices mean more savings with solar for your nonprofit and a faster payback period. To save the most, act now.
3. Low-interest loans: CollectiveSun has funds available for a 4.99% loan for qualifying solar and solar + storage nonprofit projects. Funds are limited — another reason to start your project now. Read more below!
Ready to start your project now? Want to learn how to get started? CollectiveSun is here to help you before, during, and after your solar is installed. If you’d like to explore getting solar for your nonprofit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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Reminder: July 4 Deadline Is Coming Up!
For maximum savings on your nonprofit solar project, START YOUR PROJECT NOW!
Key dates to know
Start now to meet the July 4 deadline!
If you begin construction on your project on or before July 4, 2026, you can safe harbor the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for 4+ years. If you begin construction after July 4, 2026, your project must be placed in service by December 31, 2027. In either case, your project will be subject to the Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) provisions in OB3. For details on FEOC and beginning of construction:
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Disclaimer: The information in our educational materials does not constitute legal or tax advice and should not be relied upon for any purpose. Please consult your legal counsel and tax advisor. |
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For nonprofits to take advantage of the ITC via direct pay, also known as elective pay, they must complete the pre-filing registration process. The IRS is once again offering office hours over Microsoft Teams to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the Pre-filing Registration Tool.
Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions. |
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IRS office hours are designed to provide general assistance with the pre-filing registration process. Think of this as your chance to get insightful tips from the pros. They are exceptionally knowledgeable, customer service-oriented, and genuinely helpful. If you’re stuck, they’ll point you in the right direction!
If you’re passionate about clean energy and need a bit of assistance navigating the pre-filing registration process, this is your chance to dive deep, ask questions, and connect with IRS experts who are ready to guide you through the process. The sessions are designed to provide general assistance with the pre-filing registration process, not to give tax advice or specific policy interpretations. Don’t miss this unique opportunity — register now!
Why should you register?Learn from your peers!
Not sure what questions to ask? No problem! You can be an observer and learn from the questions of other attendees. This is your chance to learn alongside like-minded individuals, share experiences, and gather valuable insights. Get expert help!
IRS representatives will be on hand via Microsoft Teams to answer all your burning questions about the IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Whether you’re an industry pro or just curious to learn more, this is your opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the filing process and the benefits available. Secure your spot — it’s easy!By participating in these office hours, you can get direct assistance from IRS representatives who are ready to answer any questions regarding the pre-filing registration.
Important: You must register in advance to participate in these office hours. If you’re interested, be sure to secure your spot as soon as possible by registering through the links provided below.
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| Continue Reading and Register Here |
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​CollectiveSun recently received additional funding for our successful 4.99% loan for qualifying solar and solar + storage nonprofit projects. Time is of the essence with the looming safe harbor deadline on July 4, and funds are limited, so please reach out immediately if you have a qualifying project. If it is easier, feel free to schedule time with Matt Brennan using this link.
Qualifying nonprofits:
​Senior & Human Services Arts & Culture Community Solar Medical Centers Environmental Senior & Affordable Housing Tribal Projects Schools & Educational Organizations Animal Welfare Organizations And other community serving organizations Typical loan size: $250,000 to $1,500,000
Loan Term: Up to 10 years
Communities of faith do not currently qualify for this loan; exceptions can be made for those that operate programs that directly serve the broader community, such as food banks, community meal programs, emergency shelters, cooling centers, senior and affordable housing, or other public benefit services.
Please be aware that all projects will require a payment and performance bond from the solar installer.
We are prioritizing projects that require financing in advance of the July 4 deadline. If your project is on track to safe harbor before that date, please reach out right away. We are excited to work with you and advance your clean energy goals! |
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If you’re thinking about getting solar for your nonprofit, you’re not alone! Many nonprofit organizations across the nation are going solar, and for good reason. Solar not only lowers your carbon footprint, supporting the environment — it can also lower your nonprofit’s electricity bills, allowing you to focus precious financial resources on your mission.
But the process of going solar may seem daunting.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive 62-page solar guide to give you the information you need, every step of the way.
At CollectiveSun, we’ve helped hundreds of nonprofits across the country go solar. We can help you before, during, and after your solar is installed — helping you determine whether solar makes sense for your organization, explaining the available financing options and incentives, and even managing the project for you, if you pick a financing option that includes that service.
Now, the support we provide nonprofits includes our new 62-page guide, with information to support you wherever you are in your solar journey. The guide includes:
Solar basics Financing solar for your nonprofit Preparing your nonprofit for solar What to do after you go solar And more things you need to know ​As a subscriber to our newsletter, you can download the 62-page guide for free below. Let us know if you have any questions or comments — we’re always here to help.
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| Download the Guide Here! |
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Was this newsletter forwarded to you and you’d like to join our mailing list?
Click here! |
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Know a Nonprofit?
If your favorite nonprofit organization is exploring going solar and their mission is to provide programs & services that support communities of concern benefitting:
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CollectiveSun is here to help you with your solar financing.
| Interest Rates Start at 4.99% | | Rates Are Based On Community Impact, Not Just Credit Score | | One Simple Payment | Term Length Up To 10 Years | | Payment Holiday Durning Construction of System | No Prepayment Penality |
Our goal is for you to end up with a solar system that reduces your carbon footprint and is a $0 down investment with a positive cash flow from day one, so it has an immediate impact on your bottom line. That’s what we want most for the organizations that are the backbone of our communities — financial and environmental sustainability that allows you to concentrate on your mission and reach your sustainability goals. |
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If you’d like to learn more, schedule
a 20-minute call with Matt here. |
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Navigating the world of solar financing can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Our team of seasoned experts has been focused on delivering solar financing solutions for nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations across the country for over a decade. In just the last few years, we’ve proudly facilitated solar projects for over 200 nonprofits spanning 25 states. |
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At CollectiveSun, we understand that every nonprofit is unique, and that’s why we offer a diverse range of financing options. Whether you’re considering a loan like our CollectiveSun Solar Loan designed to support your purchase of a solar system while allowing you to benefit directly from the Direct Pay Tax Rebate; exploring third-party ownership options like our CollectiveSun Solar Power Agreement (SPA); or seeking a hybrid funding model like our CollectiveSun Prepaid Solar Power Agreement (Prepaid SPA), we have the perfect solution to match your solar financing needs.
For those looking to dive deeper into how Direct Pay can benefit you, we’re excited to offer a free comprehensive course series on HeatSpring. This series covers not only Direct Pay but also the additional ITC bonus adders, providing you with all the information you need for when your filing is due.
đź“š Enroll in the free courses here: CollectiveSun HeatSpring Direct Pay & More Course Series
You’ll discover how these incentives can make solar energy even more accessible and cost-effective for your nonprofit organization. Together, let’s harness the power of the sun to fuel your mission and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Let’s connect and start the conversation!
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Electricity Rate Hikes Continue According to a recent analysis by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and The Brattle Group, utilities are continuing to ask for rate increases, making it likely that prices will continue rising. That’s following average nationwide increases of 33% from 2019 to 2025, with some states faring worse than others. Many factors are driving these increases, including utility executives’ salaries plus rising utility profits, the Iran war, and the current administration’s emergency orders to keep fossil-fueled power plants online.
Solar Record-Breaking Continues Solar and wind keep going strong, with record output last year accounting for 17% of total U.S. electricity generation — and that doesn’t include rooftop solar for nonprofit and similar solar projects, which brings the numbers even higher. Solar and wind dominated new generating capacity on the U.S. grid, accounting for nearly 90% of all new utility-scale capacity through December 2025; distributed solar accounted for 15% of all new U.S. power capacity. Globally, renewables grew to almost 50% of all generating capacity, led by solar. The Iran war is renewing the emphasis on renewables, with this spring already proving to be a record season for renewables.
Nonprofits Continue Benefitting from Solar More and more nonprofits across the nation are meeting their power needs and enjoying significant savings thanks to solar energy. In Colorado, the Boulder Jewish Community Center is offsetting 80% of its electricity consumption with its new solar installation, expected to save the organization approximately $1.8 million over its lifetime. The Harry Tompson Center day shelter in New Orleans expects to offset nearly half its energy use and $4,800 annually with a 43.8 kW rooftop solar array. And in San Diego, Canyons Church’s solar is saving the church more than expected thanks to utility rate hikes. |
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CollectiveSun helps make solar for nonprofits a reality! Our innovative approach helps these organizations secure affordable financing and streamline project implementation. |
CollectiveSun, LLC 888 980 2786 (CSUN) |
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