LOUISVILLE, CO, January 2010 – Solar financing for non-profits and faith communities is often hard to find in these tough economic times. Thanks to a new program, developed by Colorado-based solar integrator Bella Energy, non-profit solar financing has finally reached Colorado.
Community Solar Partners is a unique solar financing program that has taken 3 years to develop. The program was designed to help non-profits and faith communities make critical investments in their infrastructure while reducing the price of investing in solar by about 30 percent. The first solar project financed under Community Solar Partners was recently completed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, of Denver, CO.
“We see this as part of our calling to be stewards of the resources we have been given it's the faithful response out of gratitude for the goodness and beauty of Creation,” said Pastor Paul Carlson during a construction party for the recently installed 21 kilowatt solar energy system. Our Savior's Lutheran looked at installing solar about 3 years ago, but without the advantage of the federal tax credit the cost was simply too high.
Former Director of Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, Diane Dandeneau, developed Community Solar Partners to help Coloradans, who had no solar financing programs available, afford the switch to solar.
“After a long unsuccessful search for a non-profit solar financing solution for smaller organizations, we decided that the non-profits in Colorado needed a product like this. It took several years to figure out all the details and find the right financing partners. After seeing the excitement the new solar system generated at Our Savior's Lutheran, I'm looking forward to helping other non-profits and faith communities start generating their own power,” said Ms. Dandeneau, now Special Programs Manager with Bella Energy.
Available for a limited time only, Community Solar Partners operates like a traditional power purchase agreement, or PPA. The solar energy system is owned by a third party investor who collects the federal tax credit, and eventually, the system can be purchased outright by the non-profit for a significantly reduced price. This financing method is often used for large scale solar energy systems, but wasn't available for smaller solar energy systems. Thanks to Bella Energy's Community Solar Partners, there are now options for non-profits looking to invest in green energy.
For more information about Bella Energy or Community Solar Partners
visit www.bellaenergy.com
The people of Bella Energy have been working to provide Colorado communities with renewable energy since 1982. Specializing in mid to large scale solar electric systems, Bella Energy is one of Colorado's largest solar energy companies. Their mission is to
provide the solar energy systems that will empower our future, help businesses grow, families succeed and communities thrive.
<>
