Nonprofits across Missouri and Illinois are switching to solar electricity. They recognize the power of solar to save money for what really matters to their organization … serving others. Solar for nonprofits allows community and civic organizations to achieve long-term financial stability in service of amplifying their reach.
Nonprofit organizations have had difficulty going solar in past years, due to the combination of their constrained resources and the high price of arrays. However, the lower cost of installations and wider availability of specialized financing options are allowing nonprofits to leverage the benefits of solar. Our team of professionals at StraightUp Solar have successfully installed solar systems for numerous nonprofit organizations in Missouri and Illinois, and we’ll do the same for you, too. Contact us today for a free quote.
Solar is a great way to save on your energy bills, support a healthy future, and provide community stewardship. Want to further connect solar benefits to your mission? Partner with StraightUp Solar through a PowerUp Fundraising program to develop a new socially-beneficial stream of donations through solar fundraising. Contact us more information on how a partnership would work.
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.
Since nonprofits are tax-exempt, they unfortunately don’t qualify for the crucial 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC); however, 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.
The third-party is responsible for operating and maintaining the system on-site. At StraightUp Solar, we offer operations and maintenance plans unique to your needs. The most common factors affecting the rate you pay when partnering with an investor include your monthly electricity consumption and site characteristics, such as available space and access to sunlight. However, the most significant benefit of PPAs is eliminating the need for any capital outlay upfront.
If you would rather be the owner and operator of your nonprofit’s system, you can take advantage of solar-specific loan options. Unlike PPAs, down payments are typically required, along with low interest rates. However, the investment in solar is one that will pay you back over the decades.
Some non-profits may qualify for the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program. Within ILSFA, the Non-Profit and Public Facilities sub-program (ILSFA-NP/PF) provides solar incentives on Illinois properties occupied by non-profits and public facilities which are located in Low-income and/or Environmental Justice communities. As an Approved Vendor Designee, StraightUp Solar can assist you in accessing this program to fund your solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
We are a full-service, turnkey solar firm offering design to build and maintenance services for every customer, in addition to electric vehicle charging stations. StraightUp Solar has over 16 years of industry experience, a track record few other solar companies can match. Since 2006, we’ve installed more than 1,900 residential and commercial-scale solar arrays in Illinois and Missouri. Customers trust us through our ongoing support, both now and in the future.
We are fueled by our CLEARE values, which are apparent in all we do. Our team is committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable world, one solar array at a time. StraightUp Solar has been a Benefit Corporation (B Corp) since 2015, due to our priority of people and planet over profit. We’re dedicated to transparency, accountability, and high standards of social and environmental performance.
Additionally, we are members of the Amicus Solar Cooperative, a network of over 60 locally owned solar firms across the nation sharing lessons learned, best practices, and more. When you choose StraightUp Solar for your project, you’ll experience our commitment to excellence and the environment firsthand. We recommend our non-profit and commercial arrays enter into an O&M agreement for long-term care, with a production guarantee, in addition to preexisting manufacturer warranties. We’re certain you won’t regret switching to solar!
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Just like photosynthesis captures the power of the sun to grow plants, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system captures the power of the sun
Watch the demo video, featuring StraightUp Solar’s Project Developer “Professor Ky the Solar Guy” as he creates a custom rooftop solar array design
