Cut Energy Costs and Keep More Funds for Your Mission
For nonprofits in Missouri and Illinois, solar energy can lower long-term utility costs, create budget stability, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Thanks to the Direct Pay feature of the federal tax credit, tax-exempt organizations, including schools, churches, and 501(c)(3)s, can now access the same financial benefits as for-profit businesses, receiving up to 30% of their system cost back as a cash payment. With the impending sunset of this incentive, nonprofits may benefit from reviewing the policy details and considering options such as safe harbor strategies to help secure available benefits.
At StraightUp Solar, we specialize in commercial solar installation with tailored solutions that make solar for nonprofits simple and cost-effective. We deliver a clear plan, reliable installation, and measurable savings for solar panel installation projects of any size.
Ready to see how much your nonprofit organization can save?
Lower your operating costs with a clear, turnkey path to solar. Our commercial team designs and installs solar panels for nonprofits across Missouri and Illinois, aligning solar incentives so you can see real savings fast.
Ready to see how your nonprofit can save money with solar? Start with a customized quote.
Solar for nonprofits empowers 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations to lower operating costs, demonstrate environmental leadership, and support long-term financial stability.
The cost of solar energy has dropped over 80% during the last decade. State and federal incentives can put some of the purchase price right back in your pocket. This means regular working families now go solar every day. Moreover, StraightUp Solar offers financing options that make it even easier.
Solar energy has become more affordable for nonprofit organizations with Direct Pay of the Federal Investment Tax Credit. Direct Pay allows non-tax paying entities to receive the full value of the tax credit in a lump-sum payment. Nonprofit organizations and governments can use that direct payment amount and reduce the cost of their system by 30%. Learn more about incentives for nonprofits.
Illinois organizations can partner with a third-party for-profit investor through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The investor owns the solar PV system installed on your site, takes advantage of the ITC and can share a portion of the net cost reduction with you. The investor also sells the electricity generated by your arrays at a fixed and reduced rate.
PPAs can eliminate the need for any capital outlay upfront in exchange for monthly payments. The most common factors affecting the rate you pay when partnering with a third-party owner include your monthly electricity consumption, available space and access to sunlight. The third-party owner is responsible for operating and maintaining the system on-site. At StraightUp Solar, we offer operations and maintenance plans unique to your needs.
A nonprofit organization may choose to become owner and operator of the solar PV system to take advantage of Direct Pay and solar-specific loan options. Unlike PPAs, down payments are typically required, but flexible loan terms and agreements can fit into your capital and operating budget. The investment in solar is one that will pay you back for years and years.
Some non-profits may qualify for the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) state program. The State of Illinois offers this program to meet its renewable energy goals and to bring the expansion of solar energy to income-eligible communities. With state and utility funding, Illinois Solar For All pays incentives to solar companies and passes the savings onto income-eligible non-profit organizations and public facilities.
StraightUp Solar is a full-service, turnkey solar firm offering everything from system design and permitting to installation, maintenance, and EV charging station setup. With nearly 20 years of experience, we’ve brought light to more than 3,000 residential and commercial solar installations across Missouri and Illinois.
What truly sets us apart is our expert team’s commitment to our CLEARE values. Each day we rise to find new ways to rewrite our energy story and grow brighter communities. In addition, many nonprofits choose for our:
When you work with StraightUp Solar, you’ll experience expert service backed by long-term care and performance you can trust.
StraightUp Solar first became Certified as a Benefit Corporation (B Corp) in 2015. Unique in the business world, B Corps commit to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The Anna-Jonesboro Elks Lodge #1641 can dedicate more funds for veterans and children programs throughout Southern Illinois because of the electricity savings generated by their
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St. Louis real estate investor and developer, Mark Jaffe, first went solar in 2014. Since then, he’s continued to brighten rooftops and his bottom line,
