Solar for Community-Serving Nonprofits

Solar for the nonprofits that serve communities. Zero down.

Animal shelters, healthcare clinics, food banks, youth services, immigrant support, recovery programs — if your 501(c)(3) serves a community, you can go solar at zero upfront cost.

For 501(c)(3) community-serving nonprofits nationwide

Any 501(c)(3)
Community-Serving Mission
$0
Upfront Cost
15-50%
Energy Savings
25 yr
System Lifespan

Community-serving nonprofits run on tight margins. Solar shouldn't be unattainable.

Animal shelters, healthcare clinics, food banks, youth services, recovery programs, immigrant support, environmental nonprofits — all face the same energy cost squeeze. Each dollar spent on utilities is a dollar not spent on the community. Most can't afford solar's upfront cost on their own.

RE-volv works with all 501(c)(3)s with a community-serving mission. No tier of organization is too small if your roof or land can host solar.

The Solution

One financing model. Many missions.

Whatever community your nonprofit serves, the path to solar is the same: zero upfront, predictable monthly cost, mission savings.

Zero Upfront Cost

RE-volv covers the entire installation cost. You pay a fixed monthly amount, typically 15-30% lower than your current utility bill from day one.

Community-Funded

Funded by climate-conscious individuals and foundations. As you make payments, the funds revolve to the next nonprofit's solar project.

Recoverable Grant

Through our recoverable grant, you get the financing benefits of a grant with the multiplier impact of a revolving fund. Learn more →

The Process

Mission-aligned solar in ~6 months

We handle financing and installation. You stay focused on the community you serve.

1

Apply

5-minute application. Tell us about your nonprofit and community.

2

Free Assessment

We review eligibility, energy use, and site suitability.

3

Local Installation

Preferred installer network handles design, permits, and installation.

4

Mission On

Energy bills drop. Savings flow to community impact. 25+ years of clean energy.

Real Impact

From a partner organization

"Our shelter was spending nearly 8% of our annual budget on electricity — that's almost a full-time veterinarian salary. Going solar through RE-volv freed that up immediately. We've expanded medical care for animals because of it."
Animal Shelter Director
Composite based on real partner nonprofits
FAQ

Common questions

What kinds of community-serving nonprofits qualify?

Any 501(c)(3) in the U.S. with a community-serving mission and building/site control. Animal shelters, food banks, healthcare clinics, youth programs, recovery centers, immigrant services, environmental groups, arts and culture nonprofits — we work with all of them.

Is there a minimum size or energy use?

Solar makes most sense above ~$5,000/year in electricity bills (roughly a small community-serving nonprofit). Smaller orgs can still benefit but the savings impact is more modest.

What if we share a building with other tenants?

If you own the building (or have governance to make solar decisions), you can proceed. If you're a tenant, we'd need landlord cooperation — sometimes possible.

Can we use solar for advocacy / messaging?

Absolutely. Many partners feature their solar prominently — a visible commitment to climate action and fiscal responsibility resonates with donors.

How is this different from RE-volv's church / school / community-center programs?

Same financing model, same recoverable grant. The vertical pages just speak to specific audiences. Underneath, the program is one program.

Will solar truly save our nonprofit money?

Yes. Most partners save 15-50% on energy starting day one. Lifetime savings vary by building size and local utility rates, but typically range $50,000 to $700,000+.

Whatever community you serve, solar should be possible.

Free assessment. Zero upfront cost. 5-minute application.

Questions? Contact our team → · Read the deep-dive guide →