Solar
Marketing and Sales
Energy Finance
Business Growth
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
About this course
The recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) rapidly phases out solar tax benefits and adds new restrictions for nonprofits who want to go solar. An executive order signed shortly after the OB3’s passage could place further restrictions on solar project viability.
Despite the challenges, the CollectiveSun team has charted a path forward that enables nonprofits to achieve their clean energy goals — if they act now.
This free course features four modules, each originally presented as live webinars, that guide nonprofits through the rapidly evolving solar policy landscape:
Module 1: Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now (Originally aired July 31, 2025)
Module 2: How to Safe Harbor Your Project (Originally aired August 8, 2025)
Module 3: New Rules for Beginning of Construction (Originally aired August 18, 2025)
Module 4: Unpacking Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) (Originally aired August21, 2025)
Across all modules, you'll learn:
- What OB3 means for nonprofit solar projects.
- What’s changing.
- What’s staying the same.
- How you can still benefit from substantial savings.
- Key developments to monitor as policies continue to evolve
Disclaimer: The information presented in this webinar is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or legal professional for personalized guidance.
Keep in mind that these webinars reflected a rapidly changing policy environment. Each module date is noted as policies were evolving quickly throughout 2025. For additional resources, check out CollectiveSun's Inflation Reduction Act: Solar Provisions Explained Series.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what OB3 means for nonprofit solar projects
- Understand what’s changing and what’s staying the same
- Learn how you can still benefit from substantial savings
- Learn what developments to watch in the coming weeks
Course outline
6 modules
2 - 3 hours to complete
2:31 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Introduction to the Course
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Introduction to the Course
- A Quick Note About This Course (01:09 minutes)
- Looking to Learn the Basics of Direct Pay? Start with This Course First
Module 2 • 14 assignments
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
Module 2 • 14 assignments
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
This was originally a live webinar that aired on July 31, 2025.
- Presentation Slides
- Welcome and Introduction to the Course (03:00 minutes)
- Disclaimer
- OB3 (12:44 minutes)
- Read the Bill Language (The portion relevant to the solar industry is just ~20 pages)
- Some Good News and Some Not-So-Good News (04:31 minutes)
- FEOC (04:47 minutes)
- Where Do We Go From Here? (09:13 minutes)
- The Beginning of Construction (06:46 minutes)
- Solutions from CollectiveSun (04:04 minutes)
- Fireside Chat (02:42 minutes)
- Question & Answer Session (09:11 minutes)
- Q&A Report From the Live Webinar
- Article: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About the Latest Solar Policy
Module 3 • 3 assignments
How to Safe Harbor Your Project
Module 3 • 3 assignments
How to Safe Harbor Your Project
The CollectiveSun team recorded this webinar on August 8, 2025 and covered the concept of safe harbor. This module is a new addition after the previous update on OB3.
- Presentation Slides
- Defining the Beginning of a Project (14:54 minutes)
- How New Policy Affects Safe Harbor (08:50 minutes)
Module 4 • 2 assignments
New Rules for "Beginning of Construction"
Module 4 • 2 assignments
New Rules for "Beginning of Construction"
This module was presented on August 18,2025 and is addressing Treasury Notice 2025-42.
- Presentation Slides
- New Rules for "Beginning of Construction" Video (20:13 minutes)
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Unpacking FEOC Rules
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Unpacking FEOC Rules
This module was originally presented on August 21,2025.
The recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) introduces new obstacles for nonprofits advancing clean energy projects.
The recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) introduces new obstacles for nonprofits advancing clean energy projects.
The Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) provision in OB3 has the potential to eliminate your eligibility for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and subsequent Direct Pay tax refund for renewable energy and storage projects. We’ll dive deeper into the information currently available on FEOC rules and their implications for your nonprofit’s project.
Learn what this means for your nonprofit solar project and how to move forward with clarity, confidence, and the tools needed to advance your project
- Presentation Slides
- Overview of FEOC (12:04 minutes)
- Understanding Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE) (07:43 minutes)
- Material Assistance Cost Ratio (10:07 minutes)
- More Guidance and Safe Harbor Tables (06:41 minutes)
- Live Audience Q&A From Webinar (12:54 minutes)
- Q&A From the Live Webinar
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)
Author
CollectiveSun is a mission-driven company exclusively dedicated to nonprofit solar financing, freeing up essential funding for organizations while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our programs make solar and storage possible for nonprofits such as houses of worship, schools, arts and community centers and many others to help them achieve financial and...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.
