Powering Nonprofits with Solar
Free Quotes | Referral Discounts Available | Lifetime Support
Free Quotes
Referral Discounts Available
Lifetime Support
Helping Nonprofits Redirect Energy Costs Toward Their Mission
Switching to solar reduces your long-term operating expenses and redirects critical funds toward the mission you’ve worked so hard to advance. By generating your own power, you insulate your organization from rising utility rates and can even offset costs through credits for any excess energy produced.
In practice, this means every dollar previously earmarked for electricity can be channeled into the programs, outreach, and community support that define your nonprofit’s impact. It’s a forward-thinking financial decision that not only stabilizes your budget, but also positions your organization as a leader in sustainability—strengthening both your bottom line and your reputation.
The best part? Wisconsin nonprofits can access special sources of funds specific to solar.
Grants and Incentives for Nonprofits Switching to Solar
Incentive and Grant opportunities for solar power in southwestern WI and the surrounding areas include:
- 30% Direct Pay - The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 gives tax-exempt organizations equal access to clean energy incentives by introducing the direct pay (a.k.a. elective pay) option. This allows qualifying entities to receive a direct payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in lieu of a tax credit.
- Solar for good, solar for schools - special grant opportunities for non-profit and municipal entities that will pay up to 50% of the cost of solar panels
Applicants can choose to apply for solar panels or solar canopies.
SOLAR PANELS: Nonprofits can be awarded up to 50% of the panels required for their solar project, based on system size.
MAXIMUM GRANT SIZE
Solar arrays 5 – 100 kW Up to 75 panels ~$25,000
Solar arrays 100 kW and larger Up to 150 panels ~$50,000
SOLAR CANOPIES: The canopy is sold complete, including panels, beams, tie bars, clamps and hardware.
MAXIMUM GRANT SIZE
A base cash grant of $6,000 will be awarded for the first 20kW in system size. Each additional 10kW receives an additional $3,000.
Organizations receiving a grant must agree to promote their solar project and educate their community members about the benefits of solar energy. Ethos supports organizations in meeting this requirement.
Providing clean energy to nonprofits making a difference
The Solar Moonshot Program is helping nonprofit organizations across the United States afford the switch to clean energy.
Grants up to $25,000 are typically awarded, with grant priority given to solar projects that have additional funding sources and community support.
The program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. Learn more about the program's status and participants HERE!
Your Business could potentially install an entire solar system at NO COST, once the above incentives have been captured.
Go Macro
Viola, WI
Install Date: October 2018
System Size: 304 kW
Sleepy Hollow Ford
Viroqua, WI
Install Date: January 2022
System Size: 144 kW
La Crosse Technology
La Crosse, WI
Install Date: March 2023
System Size: 175.5 kW
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