Energy Tax Credits
The energy tax credits established in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act are creating jobs and saving people money across Appalachia. Provisions such as the bonus tax credit for energy communities, the bonus tax credits for low-income projects, incentives to promote domestic manufacturing of energy equipment, and "direct pay" or elective pay option for tax-exempt entities, have been a game changer for American-made solar energy. Check out these case studies to see how these tax credits are providing Appalachians with reliable, affordable, home-grown power.
Clawson-Burnley Park
The town of Boone, North Carolina, has an ambitious goal to install three megawatts of distributed energy resources by 2030, in order to reduce transmission costs and provide more localized, reliable energy sources. One of the first steps towards reaching this target is the recent installation of solar arrays at Clawson-Burnley Park, a project that highlights the town’s dedication to clean energy.
Elderspirit Community
In the southwestern tip of Virginia, a community of retirees is installing solar panels on their homes to help reduce the cost of living for its lower-income residents.
Faith Lutheran Church
In February 2023, Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, contracted with Knoxville-based firm Solar Alliance to install a 15.3-kilowatt photovoltaic system. Faith Lutheran received a tax rebate through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Investment Tax Credit, as well as a grant from the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund.
The system is expected to provide a lifetime financial benefit of $67,791.
First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge
In 2023, nearly 80 years after the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, got its start, the council, or Session, unanimously approved a motion to install a 19.2-kilowatt rooftop photovoltaic system with storage at two church buildings.
Just for Kids
This project consisted of installing a solar array onto a the Just for Kids Child Advocacy Center, a haven for children who have experienced sexual abuse or violence. The installation is projected to provide 100% of the electricity needed for the building, a projected lifetime savings of over $32,487.
Lawrencefield Parish Church
The Lawrencefield Parish Church sits on a hill in Wheeling, West Virginia, not far from coal and fracking sites. The church supported this 14.55 kW project with an eye toward the long-term sustainability of the congregation. They expect a lifetime savings of $77,511.
Lee County Schools
When Lee County Public Schools decided to install solar on schools, leadership saw it as not only a way to save money, but also to provide an educational and workforce training opportunity for its students. Six students participated in the installation process—they got paid and also received community college credit from nearby Mountain Empire Community College.
Middlesboro Community Center
The city of Middlesboro has deep ties to the coal industry – it was originally founded with the goal of making it the “Pittsburgh of Appalachia.” At the end of 2023, Middlesboro Community Center completed a 162-panel, 63.18 kW solar installation, a project guaranteed to save the city $8,500 a year in electricity expenses.
RENEWALL, INC.
In Huntington, West Virginia, nearly 50 small businesses are selling their products under a roof covered with solar panels — providing significant savings that will go toward more improvements to the historic building.
Roanoke City Public Schools
In March 2025, Roanoke City Public Schools announced its second round of solar installations after a first round proved beneficial. The school division is on track to have a total of 7.3 megawatts of solar installed across 17 buildings by the end of 2025.
Tazewell YMCA
A Southwest Virginia YMCA in the Pocahontas coalfield is now 97% solar-powered thanks to a more than 5-year long effort by the dedicated CEO and board of directors.
Wise County Schools
A program to install solar panels on Wise County Schools is helping to train a sustainable new-energy workforce in the Virginia Coalfields.