For Non-Profits – Solar Consulting
For Non-Profits – Solar Consulting
Solar Cents is a renewable energy expert with decades of experience in solar energy development. Our unbiased advice is tailored to help residential, commercial, and non-profit organizations benefit from solar energy to the fullest.
Our insights can help non-profits strike a balance between choosing to leverage their ability to fundraise through donations and grants, understanding their tax-exempt status, and community engagement. We have helped several non-profits switch to solar and can provide exceptional guidance to your organization through solar energy-related engagement.
Why Non-Profits Should Consider Solar?
Non-profits help the world in many ways. Be it a community center or food bank; these organizations help several groups, communities, and countries. Unfortunately, despite providing these services, most non-profits lack sufficient funding to install solar systems to support their operations.
Commercial and residential properties can easily access loans and other forms of financing to install solar systems. They also access various financial incentives that non-profits can’t benefit from. As a result, non-profits can only afford solar systems using two options;
Direct ownership – the organization funds the purchase and installation of solar systems and owns the entire electrical output. Direct ownership makes sense for organizations that can raise sufficient funds to cover the full costs of solar installation projects.
Third-party ownership – for this option, a separate firm, often a solar developer or community investor, owns and operates solar systems on behalf of the non-profit organization. Most non-profits prefer this option as they lack upfront costs or the financial ability to purchase these systems. Unfortunately, this is only applicable in specific states.
Choosing a preferred option among the two mentioned above may prove challenging for most non-profits. Unfortunately, they can’t consult with solar energy developers or manufacturers of solar systems because they may give biased opinions. As such, consulting with a non-partisan firm like Solar Cents is the best option.
Below are some services that our non-profit solar consultants can help with:
Option One
Roof Leasing
Solar developers have an eye for large unused roofs that can accommodate solar panel installation. If your non-profit has large-sized roofs, at least 1000 m2 on industrial social halls, factories, warehouses, or any other commercial building, you can lease it to solar development companies.
Non-profits that agree to roof leases enjoy two-fold benefits. First, they earn additional revenue from monthly rent paid by the solar company. Second, they can also use cost-saving solar energy. Experts from Solar Cents can help non-profits evaluate if their roofs are suitable for renting. Solar Cents will also help you find a perfect investor and other additional services.
Option Two
EV Charging
Non-profits with solar energy can take advantage of the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. Unfortunately, this remains a gray area that most non-profits don’t know how to handle. Non-profits can benefit from Solar Cents in the following ways;
- Electric vehicle charger placement analysis – our team of experts will work with you during the siting, installation, and configuration of EV chargers.
- Fleet-wide evaluation to maximize financial returns – our experts help your organization estimate the cost of operating EV stations and share tips that non-profits can take to recover the cost of installing chargers.
- Managed procurement – we help organizations vet EV system suppliers, negotiate contracts, suggest financing mechanisms, and more.
Option Three
Solar as a Service
Solar as a service for non-profits refers to leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and prepaid services. Through solar as a service agreement, non-profits can purchase affordable power generated on the roof of their buildings by solar developers.
Typically, solar developers install and maintain the solar panels, while the non-profit purchase the energy produced, just like they would purchase from local utility companies. While the PPA or lease provider can monetize the energy produced, they pass the benefits to non-profits through contracted or low lease payments.
Leases from these agreements are designed to eliminate or minimize the initial costs of installation, making solar energy affordable to non-profits who want to go green. Your non-profit organization benefits from both the solar energy and the revenue.
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