How it Works
The Problem
One of nonprofits' largest monthly expenses is their electricity bill. Going solar introduces the potential for huge savings, but many nonprofits:
- Do not think of solar as an accessible option.
- Face major barriers in getting their solar systems financed.
The Opportunity
There are over 1.5 million nonprofits in the United States, including youth centers, food banks, houses of worship. If just 1% went solar, 15,000 nonprofits across the US would be saving big on electricity and pouring those savings back into bettering their communities.
A study shows that 1 non-residential solar installation inspires over 80 residential installations in that community. So, multiply 15,000 by 80 to imagine the possibilities of solar!
Nonprofit Solar SignupHow RE-volv Works
Most local community groups and nonprofits (like animal shelters, food banks, and places of worship) run on very tight budgets. Even though switching to solar panels would save them a lot of money on their electricity bills, they usually don't have the cash to buy them upfront.
That means millions of great organizations miss out on clean energy. When a nonprofit can't go solar, they end up trapped paying expensive electric bills year after year. That is money that should be going toward feeding families, rescuing animals, or supporting the neighborhood.
RE-volv fixes this with a unique approach that helps everyone win. Here's how our model works:
We cover the upfront cost. We help nonprofits get solar panels installed on their roofs with $0 down. We guide you through the complicated paperwork and tap into government cash incentives, so going solar is far simpler than doing it alone.
The nonprofit saves money immediately. Once the solar panels start running, the nonprofit's traditional electric bill practically disappears. They use those savings to pay RE-volv back in affordable monthly amounts, and most nonprofits save at least 15% on their energy costs right from day one.
We fuel a sustainable model to grow impact. Our model is built to last. When a nonprofit makes their monthly payments, they help cover our project financing costs and sustain RE-volv's day-to-day operations. By covering these core costs through project revenue, we build a stable foundation that allows us to keep bringing solar to more communities year after year.
RE-volv provides solar financing through three tools: a Solar Loan, a Solar Lease, and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). We help nonprofits get the most savings possible by unlocking federal savings.
Third Party Ownership
The PPA and solar lease financing vehicles offer a 20-year term that includes no up-front costs and typically a 15% savings on electricity bills from day one, which increases throughout the length of the solar term. Throughout the term of the PPA or solar lease, RE-volv owns the system and covers all operation and maintenance costs. After the term is completed, the ownership of the solar system is transferred to the nonprofit.
Direct Ownership
Through the loan, RE-volv coordinates installation of the solar system and community engagement and education activities once the system is installed. The nonprofit owns and operates the solar system from day 1. This option includes the choice to add battery storage, making the nonprofit more resilient and energy independent.
What is Elective Pay and why does it matter right now?
Thanks to a government incentive for tax-exempt organizations called Elective Pay, nonprofits can be reimbursed for a large portion - often 30% or more of the total cost of their solar system.
Because of recent policy changes, this reimbursement is going to disappear at the end of 2027. We are working hard right now to help as many community groups as possible lock in these savings before time runs out!
Scaling Impact
We utilize philanthropic grants, donations, and investments to help finance the up-front cost of bringing solar to nonprofits, allowing us to work with more nonprofits. Learn more about how you can support our work through donations or investment.