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.
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.
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.
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.