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Last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” and the executive order signed shortly after its passage rapidly phase out solar tax benefits and add new restrictions for nonprofits who want to go solar.
We’ve been keeping you updated with articles and webinars that chart a path forward for your nonprofit to go solar — but only if you act now. We urge nonprofits to act as quickly as possible, while the Investment Tax Credit for solar projects is still in place.
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By acting now, you can still lower your nonprofit’s electric bills with solar.
What does that mean for your nonprofit?
Power bills are going upYou’ve probably noticed your electricity bills going up for both your home and your nonprofit. There are no signs of this changing in the foreseeable future.
What has caused rising electric rates? Electricity demand has been growing after years of remaining flat, driven by large data centers as well as building and transportation electrification, which is becoming more common. In some regions, wildfire or hurricane mitigation is driving up costs. And across the nation, our aging power grid is in need of upgrades. None of these factors will go away anytime soon.
The fact that electricity rates are so high makes solar even more attractive as a cost-saving measure. That’s true at today’s rates, and it will be even more true as electricity rates keep going up. With solar, your monthly payments either remain steady or go up at a much slower rate, depending on which financing option you choose for your nonprofit solar project. That allows you to hedge against future electricity rate hikes.
Payback periods are coming downNow, there’s another benefit to installing solar. The payback period for commercial-scale solar installations — which includes solar installations for nonprofits — is coming down. That means your solar system will pay for itself more quickly than in the past.
Research firm Wood Mackenzie recently modeled two commercial-scale solar system scenarios. The first scenario assumed the average U.S. retail rate for electricity would grow 2% between 2026 and 2050 — a very conservative assumption. The second scenario used a 6% growth rate.
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Reminder: July 4 deadline is coming up!
If you’ve been following CollectiveSun’s webinars and articles about solar policy changes resulting from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3), you know there are some important deadlines to keep in mind. We want to remind you of some key dates and a critical upcoming deadline.
Protect your nonprofit from rising utility rates
Electricity prices are rising across the U.S., but you can still save on your bills with solar. For maximum savings, 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. For details on FEOC and beginning of construction:
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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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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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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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.
📚 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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There’s No Sign of Electricity Costs Coming Down Our growing energy demand, plus other factors like extreme weather, are keeping electricity expensive. Energy affordability has become a political issue. While there are no quick fixes, states have the power to make policy changes that could help stabilize prices; Massachusetts is trying this with a market for distributed energy, and other states are looking at higher electricity rates for data centers. But relief is not likely to come anytime soon.
Solar Is Rising to Meet Our Growing Energy Demand Solar is already helping meet our nation’s growing energy demand; in 2025, solar met two-thirds of electricity demand growth, breaking installation records and remaining the fastest-growing source of new electricity — once again eclipsing new wind generation. Despite policy challenges, this trend is set to continue. According to research firm Wood Mackenzie, solar will be the foundational technology for new power demand; the Energy Information Administration says the growing demand will mostly be met by solar.
Deploying More Solar Can Help Tame Electricity Prices
With gas prices rising, solar, especially when paired with storage, could help bring down electricity prices. A study in New York found that distributed solar and storage could save ratepayers $1 billion annually; in 2024, rooftop solar saved California ratepayers $1.5 billion. With the price of batteries continuing to decline, solar + storage can bring some relief — if we keep deploying more of it. |
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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
3295 Meade Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
888 980 2786 (CSUN) |
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