This is a bundle of these 4 courses
About this course
There will be updates to the course content coming in August and September 2025 to reflect recent policy changes.
The Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022 included landmark incentives for clean energy that continue to provide significant opportunities for organizations today. The core provisions remain intact and accessible for those looking to leverage these incentives.
The Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022 included landmark incentives for clean energy that continue to provide significant opportunities for organizations today. The core provisions remain intact and accessible for those looking to leverage these incentives.
Recent developments, including the passage of H.R. 1 (The One, Big, Beautiful Bill), subsequent Treasury guidance updates on Beginning of Construction rules, and new Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules affecting projects beginning construction in 2026, have created some changes to timelines and requirements. While the fundamental incentive structures remain unchanged, these policy updates will be addressed in forthcoming course content.
Currently, the knowledgeable team at CollectiveSun explains the foundational considerations, application processes, and core requirements so that nonprofit organizations and tax exempt entities can understand these incentives and plan their solar projects accordingly.
Topics covered in the Series:
- Elective Pay (more commonly known as "Direct Pay")
- Low Income Communities Bonus Adder
- Energy Communities Bonus Adder
Subjects covered
Solar
Marketing and Sales
Energy Finance
Business Growth
Bundle outline
4 courses
4 - 6 hours to complete
Course 1 •
2
modules
Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Direct Pay
Course 1 •
2
modules
Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Direct Pay
Module 1 • 13 assignments
Direct Pay 2024: Digging into the Details
Module 1 • 13 assignments
Direct Pay 2024: Digging into the Details
- Disclaimer
- Introduction to CollectiveSun and Speakers (05:06 minutes)
- Direct Pay - Where to Start? (04:11 minutes)
- The How - It's All About Timing (11:06 minutes)
- IRS Form 3468 (05:19 minutes)
- IRS Form 3800 (02:23 minutes)
- IRS Form 990-T and Audit Risk (06:16 minutes)
- Recap and Solutions (07:43 minutes)
- Making Sense of It All (03:08 minutes)
- Q&A with Lee and Nicole (14:15 minutes)
- Slide Deck (.pdf)
- Q&A Transcript from Live Webinar (.pdf)
- Learn about CollectiveSun's Diverse Range of Financing Options for Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Organizations
Module 2 • 9 assignments
The Fine Print + Resources for Applying for the Incentives
Module 2 • 9 assignments
The Fine Print + Resources for Applying for the Incentives
In this module, we will share direct resources from the U.S. government as well as necessary forms.
- Direct Pay Checklist - Tax-Exempt Organizations (.pdf)
- Excessive Benefit Provision (08:18 minutes)
- Excessive Benefit Rules & Regulations Fact Sheet (.pdf)
- WhiteHouse.Gov: Direct Pay Summary
- Dept. of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service: Proposed Regulations
- Pre-filing Registration Portal
- IRS Form 3468
- IRS Form 3800
- IRS Form 990-T
Course 2 •
1
modules
Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Energy Community Bonus Adder
Course 2 •
1
modules
Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Energy Community Bonus Adder
Module 1 • 13 assignments
IRA Provisions: Energy Community Bonus Adder
Module 1 • 13 assignments
IRA Provisions: Energy Community Bonus Adder
- Disclaimer
- Introduction to CollectiveSun and Speakers (10:25 minutes)
- Three Categories of Eligibility: Brownfield (02:15 minutes)
- Three Categories of Eligibility: Statistical Area (13:01 minutes)
- Three Categories of Eligibility: Coal Closure (01:53 minutes)
- Eligibility Map (03:38 minutes)
- Low-Income Communities Bonus Adder Portal is Open! (01:54 minutes)
- Solutions (06:57 minutes)
- Q&A with Lee and Nicole (14:49 minutes)
- Slide Deck (.pdf)
- Energy Community Eligibility Map Tutorial (17:18 minutes)
- Q&A Transcript from Live Webinar (.pdf)
- DOE + NETL: IRA Energy Community Eligibility Map
Course 3 •
1
modules
Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Low Income Communities Bonus Adder
Course 3 •
1
modules
Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Low Income Communities Bonus Adder
Module 1 • 16 assignments
IRA Provisions: Low Income Communities Bonus Adder
Module 1 • 16 assignments
IRA Provisions: Low Income Communities Bonus Adder
- Disclaimer
- Introduction to CollectiveSun, Speakers, and Low Income Communities Adders (07:08 minutes)
- Qualifying for the Low Income Bonus Adder (02:08 minutes)
- Category 1 (07:17 minutes)
- Categories 2 & 3 (01:27 minutes)
- Category 4 (04:11 minutes)
- Bringing it Back to Nonprofit Solar Projects (02:11 minutes)
- Application Requirements (09:24 minutes)
- What Happens After the Application is Submitted? (06:34 minutes)
- Post-Construction Risks & Timing (08:13 minutes)
- Solutions (05:02 minutes)
- Q&A with Lee and Nicole (07:14 minutes)
- Slide Deck (.pdf)
- Low Income Communities Eligibility Map Tutorial (08:34 minutes)
- Q&A Transcript from Live Webinar (.pdf)
- DOE + NREL: Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program Map
Course 4 •
3
modules
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
Course 4 •
3
modules
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
Module 1 • 15 assignments
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
Module 1 • 15 assignments
Changes to Solar Policy: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Go Solar Now
- Looking to Learn the Basics of Direct Pay? Start with This Course First
- 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 2 • 3 assignments
How to Safe Harbor Your Project
Module 2 • 3 assignments
How to Safe Harbor Your Project
The CollectiveSun team recorded a 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 3 • 2 assignments
New Rules for "Beginning of Construction"
Module 3 • 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)
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 bundle of courses is delivered entirely online. After you enroll, the courses will be added to your Account. There's a recommended progression to follow, but you have the flexibility to access the materials in whatever order you prefer. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
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.
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.
