Energy On Wisconsin

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Clean Energy Funding Webinar Series 2023

State Funding Resources

Ongoing Funding Opportunities

IRS: Elective Pay / Direct Pay

Elective pay allows applicable entities, including tax-exempt and governmental entities that would otherwise be unable to claim certain credits because they do not owe federal income tax, to benefit from some clean energy tax credits. By choosing this election, the amount of the credit is treated as a payment of tax and any overpayment will result in a refund.

Forms and Instructions

Publication 5817-D, Elective Pay for Tax-Exempt Organizations 

Publication 5817-F, Elective Pay for Indian Tribal Governments 

Publication 5817-A, Elective Pay for Rural Electric Cooperatives 

Tax Credits related to Elective Pay (Direct Pay)

EV Tax Credit Becomes An Instant Rebate 

The Treasury Department issued guidelines for consumers to get the federal Electric Vehicle (EV) tax credit as an instant rebate at the dealership beginning January 1, 2024 rather than receiving it as a credit when they file their taxes the following year.  A new EV can be up to $7,500 cheaper the day you purchase the vehicle and a used clean vehicle $4,000 less. Consumers should check fueleconomy.gov to see which vehicles are eligible for the credit.

The guidance provides additional information on registration requirements and how the mechanics of this transfer will work for car dealers. US Dept of the Treasury 

Justice40 Initiative Covered Programs – $118 Billion

A 2021 Executive Order on Justice40 directs that 40% of the benefits from BIL and IRA investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, or overburdened by pollution. $118 B is earmarked for 74 federal funding opportunities across 19 federal agencies.

Justice40 Initiative Covered Programs List from the Whitehouse, November 2023

Solar on Schools Grant

Through a vision and generous support from the Couillard Solar Foundation, MREA launched Solar on Schools to provide year-round resources and grants to Wisconsin K-12 schools and select colleges pursuing solar PV systems.

  • Grant: Wisconsin schools and colleges can apply for an in-kind module grant per school building installing solar. Grants are awarded up to 50 kW DC with a corresponding value of $20,000.
  • Resource Center: They have compiled case studies, RFP and other templates, guiding documents, finance modeling tools, expert-presented videos, a WI school peer network and more to help schools Solar Planning Teams develop and execute a solar project.

For more information and Couillard Solar Foundation

Focus on Energy: 123 Rural Energy Audits

Work with your area Energy Advisor (there are 8 across WI) who will provide a list of energy efficiency projects for your home. If done in the order provided, additional incentives will be provided.

Project completion by October 2026.

Rural Renewable Solar Electric ZIP Codes eligible rural zip codes

Tax Credits & Rebates for Home Energy Upgrades

Wisconsin residents that make energy efficiency upgrades where they live may be eligible to receive income tax credits from the federal government as well as rebates from WI Focus on Energy (this applies to all WI residents regardless of utility). Scroll down the Focus table of Available Credits and Rebates to calculate the reduced cost of each improvement.

BCPL Funds School Clean Energy Projects

The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) makes loan funds available to Wisconsin School Districts for school energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Board recognizes the economic materiality of climate change and potential impacts of climate change on investments. BCPL manages $1.2 billion in State Trust Funds that benefit K-12 public schools and the University of Wisconsin.

Applications
For more information about the funding opportunity. Direct questions to BCPL Loan Officer.