THE COLLECTIVE CONVERSATION – August 2025 NEWSLETTER

The Collective Conversation August 2025



When it comes to solar, policy has a big impact — at both the local and the federal level. Policies like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) have been key to deploying solar across the U.S.


But the world of policy is complex and rapidly changing. To help your nonprofit solar project succeed, at CollectiveSun we stay on top of policy developments — so we can support you through the process of going solar with guidance and educational resources. 

We’ve gathered our resources on clean energy policy on our website, where you can find them all in one place. In addition to our informative webinars, you’ll find videos and articles on the latest solar policies and what they mean for your project. 



Learn More Here


The most recent solar policy development is the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3), which rapidly phases out solar tax benefits and adds new restrictions for nonprofits who want to go solar. An executive order that followed the bill placed further restrictions on solar project viability. 


The executive order mandated that Treasury issue new guidance on the “beginning of construction” standard that can be used to safe harbor a solar project — that is, to ensure the project can benefit from tax credits before they expire. 


The guidance came out on Friday, August 15, and CollectiveSun has you covered with the latest in this video recorded Monday, August 18. 


Learn how your nonprofit can still go solar — if you act now!



Watch the Video


The Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) provision in OB3 has the potential to eliminate your eligibility for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and subsequent Direct Pay tax refund for renewable energy and storage projects. We’ll dive deeper into the information currently available on FEOC rules and their implications for your nonprofit’s project.


Learn what this means for your nonprofit solar project and how to move forward with clarity, confidence, and the tools needed to advance your project


Don’t miss this chance to learn how your nonprofit can save with solar now! Join us tomorrow: Thursday, August 21, at 11am PT, 2pm ET.



Register Here


Want to learn more about the latest in solar policy? 


With each policy development, we’ve created webinars and videos to keep you up on the latest. Despite the recent challenges that solar projects face, we’ve charted a path forward to help nonprofits go solar — if they act now. 


We’ll keep updating you with the latest solar policy developments. To learn more, see our educational webinars and videos.



See Our Webinars


More IRS office hours available, now through January 2026!


For nonprofits to take advantage of the ITC via the direct pay provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), 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


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.


Don’t miss this unique opportunity — register now!


Learn More 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:

  • Children

  • Veterans

  • Senior Citizens

  • Individuals with Disabilities

  • Historically Marginalized Groups 

  • At-Risk Individuals

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. 



If you’d like to learn more, schedule a meeting with Nicole here.


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.


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!


In the U.S., Challenges Continue for Solar Energy

Even as clean energy deployment increases nationwide and globally, the U.S. continues facing challenges to solar growth. CollectiveSun’s July webinar, covered by PV Magazine, detailed what nonprofits need to know about the latest solar policy. The good news for nonprofits, in light of the tightened restrictions in the latest Treasury guidance, is that the new rules apply only to projects larger than 1.5 megawatts, which is larger than most nonprofit solar projects. 


Globally, Renewable Energy Is at a Tipping Point

According to the U.N., 92.5% of all new electricity capacity added to the grid worldwide in 2024 came from renewables, and solar is now 41% cheaper globally than the lowest-cost fossil fuel. Meanwhile, a GridLab and Telos Energy study found that clean energy could meet the growing demand for electricity across most of the continental U.S. and a region of Canada. On a more local level, schools and universities are cutting costs by installing solar, showing the value of solar for nonprofits.


Energy Storage Has its Day in the Sun
A bright spot among the current challenges is energy storage. Large storage projects can be built relatively quickly, and it’s estimated that grid-scale energy storage could cut energy bills by $7 billion in a central region of the U.S. According to the latest U.S. Energy Storage Monitor, developers installed a record-breaking 2 gigawatts+ of new energy storage capacity in Q1 alone. Innovations like using second-life EV batteries for long-duration storage, which we’ve written about previously, save money and provide environmental benefits.

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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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