Schools and government owned facilities can greatly benefit from an on-site wind or solar installation to help lower energy costs, promote education, or simply present a highly visible commitment to clean energy and community stewardship. These projects can help reduce energy bills, allowing funds to be used for other purposes. If the wind or solar facility provides more energy than required, the excess can be sold back to the utility, further improving the economics of the project. Additionally, many government entities can invest in large renewable projects. This type of approach leverages existing infrastructure costs as well as siting issues along with operations and maintenance responsibilities. Karbon Zero has the experience to aid schools and communities in designing a project that meets their needs as well as help structure non-tax based incentives to assist with financing.

Benefits of Wind and Solar Power for Schools and Government Facilities.

• Educational opportunities: Having a wind turbine or solar system in your backyard, including the process of planning and installation, adds an experiential dimension to your school’s science, math, and civic classes. What better way to train the technicians, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow?
• Lower utility bills: Your electrical costs drop the second your facility goes live.
• Taxpayer benefits: Lower energy costs for your public schools and government buildings can help balance budgets and lower the tax burden on community residents.
• Stable cost of power: You’ll know what your electricity cost will be for 20 years or more so you can safeguard your annual budget against the volatile and increasing costs of energy.
• Green economy: Your school-based renewable energy system – and each new installation it fosters – will bring high-value jobs to your community. 

Incentives and Financing Options for Schools and Government Facilities.

• State grants and incentives: Most States now offer incentives for renewable energy projects, and several have either specifically tailored incentives to non-profit entities or add a multiplier to existing incentives. Combined with the 0% CREB bonds, and/or local fundraising (see below), your school and government owned facilities can realize energy independence with little or no out-of-pocket costs.
• CREBs: Clean Energy Bonds (CREBs) are zero-interest loans available to schools, towns, tribal organizations, and rural electric cooperatives. With a zero-interest loan, you can use your electricity savings to pay for loan payments so your budget is not adversely affected. In February 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allocated an additional $1.6 billion for CREBs.
• School bonding (public schools): Schools can bond for their renewable just as they would a school addition or capital equipment purchase.
• Local Fundraising: Your school community may want to have a “wind turbine or solar system drive.” The added benefit of raising funds from individual contributors and local businesses is that it helps to drive early excitement for your project.
• Private funding: Private businesses can take advantage of some incentives that are not available to schools. A 30% Investment Tax Credit and five-year accelerated depreciation are available to companies with a tax appetite.
• KZ PPA: Our proprietary power purchase agreement (PPA) is structured so that for-profit companies can take advantage of tax breaks and other incentives that are not available to non-profit entities and pass them on. This option allows schools and government agencies to reap the benefits of renewable energy with little to no money down and includes the operation and maintenance of the system.

We can help your organization navigate through the available incentives and financing options. Please Contact Us today to learn more.