One Meeting Now Could Lock In Decades of Energy Savings

A Narrow Window for Maximum Value

The opportunity to lock in major long-term energy savings for your agency is about to shrink, and the change is one of the most debated pieces of the federal budget now moving through Congress.

The proposed federal budget that just left committee would reduce the value of the incentives that make renewable energy financially viable for nonprofits. If that bill passes, the difference between completing a project in 2025 or 2026 could be substantial. The details are not widely known yet, but they matter, and we are tracking them closely so agencies in our network do not miss the window.

What CAP Solar Does

That is where CAP Solar comes in.

We are a Community Action organization created to help other nonprofits, especially CAAs, take advantage of renewable energy without spending capital, diverting staff, or taking on risk. We finance, build, own, and operate solar systems on your behalf. You get guaranteed long-term savings on your utility bills, and we manage the rest.

Built for Community Action

That is why we created the eCAP initiative with NCAP and The Kresge Foundation. It gives CAAs a clear, practical way to take advantage of renewable energy while the current level of federal support is still available. The model was built for the realities of this network, where time is limited, funding is always under pressure, and decisions need to be simple.

Timing Matters

Projects can often move quickly, especially when the site is well positioned, such as a newer, mostly unshaded roof, adjacent land, or a parking lot. Agencies located in states with strong renewable energy programs may also see added value, though the model remains viable across a range of policy environments. These conditions help maximize both speed and long-term savings, and we are already conducting engineering reviews for several agencies to identify strong candidates.

Preserving Value Beyond 2025

While not every project will qualify in time to capture the full value before the end of 2025, we are actively working to preserve as much benefit as possible for projects that extend into 2026 and beyond. We are building flexibility into the model now, so if new resources become available, we are ready to respond. But the strongest value is still in what we can complete before the end of this year.

Flexible, Scalable, Collaborative

The model is flexible. Some agencies bring one large site, others combine smaller ones. If your agency operates multiple properties, or if you know of nearby 501(c)(3)s who might benefit, we may be able to structure something together. In some states, groups of CAAs working in coordination can reduce costs even further.

Let’s Talk While the Window Is Still Open

If your agency is even considering renewable energy, this is the moment to take a serious look. The financial opportunity is strongest right now, and one conversation is all it takes to understand what is possible for your organization.

Visit www.capsolar.org/contact or email info@capsolar.org to start the conversation.

-Steven Leitner, President, CAP Solar