This page compiles programs that are no longer actively in operation. Read on and visit each individual page for details of these past programs.

CivicPACE

CivicPACE was a program that helped nonprofit tax-exempt organizations such as affordable housing, faith-based institutions, and schools gain greater access to solar financing. The program was led by The Solar Foundation, which has now merged with IREC.

Nonprofits can face difficulties obtaining traditional bank financing because they are often viewed as a credit risk. We helped overcome this challenge using Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), which finances property improvements that are paid back through a line item on the property owner’s tax bill.

Consumer Protection

IREC’s consumer protection includes the Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights and the Be Solar Smart Consumer Checklist. Both spotlight safeguards and pointers for buyers, government agencies, the industry, retailers, and others in the market.

Solar Saves Lives

Solar Saves Lives was an initiative to install solar and battery storage at health clinics, community centers, and other critical locations in Puerto Rico. The initiative was led by The Solar Foundation, which has now merged with IREC. We were proud to coordinate this effort with our partners including the Hispanic Federation, Direct Relief, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Clinton Foundation, and local solar companies and organizations in Puerto Rico.

Solar Schools

IREC is proud to be a leader in encouraging America’s schools to go solar. Below, you will find some of the previous reports from The Solar Foundation and other resources.

National Solar Schools Report: First Edition. In 2014, we joined our research partners at SEIA to release the first comprehensive report on solar energy at K-12 U.S. schools. At the time of release, there were 3,752 K-12 schools with solar installations at a combined capacity of 490 MW. The report also found that of the 125,000 K-12 schools in the country, up to 72,000 schools (60%) could cost-effectively go solar.

Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools, 2nd Edition. We released the 2nd edition of this report in 2017 in partnership with SEIA and Generation 180. This report found there were 5,489 schools across the United States using solar energy.