nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

Through a generous partnership with Elmer A. Henderson: A Johns Hopkins Partnership School (Henderson-Hopkins), an innovative K-8 public contract school located in East Baltimore, Maryland, the nonprofit Climate Access Fund is developing a community solar project, Solar4Us @ Henderson-Hopkins, on the school’s rooftop to benefit low-income households in the area. The project expects to provide 175 qualified low-income households with discounted solar power, to offer paid apprenticeships and contracts to local residents and firms, and to partner with the school to educate students and their families about solar.

The Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE) will become the first County Office of Education in the U.S. to operate an independent solar and storage microgrid, emphasizing sustainability and resilience. This project is expected to provide uninterrupted power, educational opportunities, and save over $7 million in 20 years. It is also among the first to utilize federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, reflecting YCOE's commitment to integrating sustainability into its core educational mission.

Boise Airport is now fully powered by clean energy, thanks to a new partnership with Idaho Power. The airport is enrolled in Idaho Power’s "Green Power" program, which sources electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar. This transition makes the airport one of the first in the country to achieve 100% clean energy status. The move is part of broader efforts by the airport to reduce its carbon footprint and support sustainable practices. Officials hope this initiative will set an example for other airports and businesses seeking to adopt cleaner energy solutions.

The United States Department of Agriculture is giving more than $5 million to seven clean-energy projects in Kansas. Among the beneficiaries is White’s Kingco Incorporated, a rural grocer receiving $500,000 for a solar energy project that’d provide enough energy to power 60 homes. The USDA-funded project is to work with the cities of Kingman and Lindsborg to establish solar power at the stores.

The proposed project is about 15 megawatts and would feature energy storage and a substation. The entire reservation can run on five to seven megawatts of power, and the plan is for Red Lake Nation to sell the remaining power, creating a new revenue stream for the tribe. In 2020, the tribe spent $700,000 to purchase more than 200 acres of land located near the reservation for the solar project. At the site, Blake said he sees Red Lake’s future.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has announced adjustments to dollar amounts under the Minnesota Consumer Credit Code and the Regulated Loan Act, effective July 1, 2020. These adjustments are based on a 15% increase in the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product from December 2011 to December 2019. The changes include increases in principal amounts subject to interest, minimum refunds, default charges, and loan administration fees. The next adjustment is scheduled for July 1, 2022, based on the December 2021 index.

RE-volv announced that they successfully received their first direct pay from the IRS, marking a significant milestone for their solar financing model. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provision in supporting clean energy projects. RE-volv’s innovative financing tools, including Power Purchase Agreements and solar leases, continue to help nonprofits save on electricity costs and promote community-driven energy transitions. This milestone underscores the potential for broader adoption of solar energy among nonprofits nationwide.

Bridge Renewable Energy, Solaris Energy, and WATTMORE have signed a contract to develop, finance, and operate a 1.8 MW solar and storage project for the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and Harrah's Resort SoCal. This project, located on the Rincon Reservation in San Diego County, aims to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. The collaboration leverages incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and various state and federal grants. This milestone follows nearly three years of planning, design, and financial modeling.

Modesto City Schools was recognized nationally for its solar power initiatives, particularly for the installation of solar panels at parking lots and adding electric buses to its fleet. These efforts are expected to offset 60% of the district's current electricity costs. The district's director of sustainability, Gilbert Blue Feather Rosas, highlighted the importance of sustainable energy at a White House summit, urging other districts to adopt similar clean energy solutions. This initiative is part of the district's broader commitment to reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Religious institutions in the U.S. are increasingly installing solar panels to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. Places of worship, including synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples, are leveraging solar energy to align with their values of stewardship and community service. These installations not only provide financial relief but also enable religious organizations to contribute to the local energy grid, benefiting the broader community. Some of these institutions are even sharing their solar-generated power with neighbors, especially those in need. This movement reflects a growing trend of faith-based groups embracing renewable energy as part of their environmental and social justice missions.