Zero-down solar for nonprofits.
If your nonprofit can't afford the upfront cost of solar — and traditional banks won't help — RE-volv was built for you. Zero down. Community-funded. Designed for 501(c)(3)s.
501(c)(3) nonprofits nationwide · Application takes 5 minutes
Nonprofits without capital reserves are stuck — solar is unaffordable when you need it most.
Most nonprofit solar programs assume you can put down 10-30% upfront. Most banks won't lend to nonprofits without personal guarantees or 5-10 year payback terms that don't match solar's economics. Result: the nonprofits that would benefit most from solar are the ones who can't access it.
RE-volv was built specifically for nonprofits in this position. No upfront cost. No personal guarantees. No bank.
How zero-down nonprofit solar actually works
We cover 100% of the installation cost. You pay a fixed monthly amount lower than your current utility bill. Simple.
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 →
From application to operating solar
Designed for nonprofits with limited time and limited capital.
Apply
5-minute application. No financial documents required at this stage.
Eligibility
We confirm 501(c)(3) status and building/site control. Quick.
Assessment
Free solar assessment. We size a system to your energy use.
Sign & Install
Sign agreement. Local installer handles the installation. You start saving.
From a partner organization
"We had been told for years that solar was 'a someday thing' for our nonprofit because we didn't have the capital. RE-volv changed someday into next quarter. Zero upfront, lower bills from month one — it sounded too good, but here we are."
Common questions
Is this really $0 upfront?
Yes. RE-volv covers all installation, equipment, design, and permitting costs. Your nonprofit pays a fixed monthly amount that's typically 15-30% lower than your current utility bill from day one.
What's the catch?
No catch — but two things to know: (1) The agreement runs 15-20 years, similar to a solar lease. (2) RE-volv recovers the funding over time to deploy on the next nonprofit's solar project. That's the 'recoverable' in recoverable grant.
Do we need to pass credit checks?
We review your 501(c)(3) status, operating history, and building/site control — not personal credit. No personal guarantees from board members are required.
What if our nonprofit fails or merges?
The agreement transfers with the building. New owners (or merged organizations) inherit a system that's already saving money. Most successor orgs welcome it.
How is this different from a PPA or solar lease?
Our payments are typically 10-30% lower than commercial PPAs because we're a mission-driven nonprofit, not a for-profit operator. Long-term, you also retain ownership benefits commercial leases don't offer.
Are we eligible for IRA tax credits too?
When you take ownership of the system at the end of the agreement, you can be eligible for various energy efficiency benefits going forward. Specific tax/IRA situations should be reviewed with your CPA.
Stop saying 'someday' to solar.
Free assessment. Zero upfront. Lower bills starting next quarter.
Questions? Contact our team → · Read the deep-dive guide →