Schools are cashing checks from the IRS
Schools can earn tax credits for clean energy projects - something that the private sector and households have been able to do for years. These technologies can improve aging facilities, lower operating costs, and make schools healthier for students.
In November, the IRS began sending the first round of checks to school districts that have filed for clean energy tax credits. While districts across the country seek to follow in their footsteps over the next decade, members of Congress are discussing the future of clean energy tax credits.
Acton-Boxborough received $2.96 million in energy tax credits for the installation of ground-source heat pumps, rooftop solar and storage, and EV charging at the new net-zero Douglas & Gates Elementary School. The district partnered with PFM Financial Advisors, Consigli Construction, Arrowstreet, an architecture and design firm, and Eversource, a utility company, on the project.
Westwood Public Schools received $5.05 million in energy tax credits for installing ground-source heat pumps at its new elementary school. The technology qualified for $4.88 million in energy tax credits, and received $174,000 in interest.
Upper Dublin School District received $1.42 million in energy tax credits for installing ground-source heat pumps at the renovated Fort Washington Elementary School after severe storms damaged its facilities. The district partnered with CMTA, ICS, and Energy Tax Savers to complete the project.
Maize Unified School District 266 installed its second solar panel array in January 2023, this one at Maize High School, and received an energy tax credit of $104,585. King Solar, a local solar energy installer, completed this project.
Jefferson County Public Schools received $1.82 million in energy tax credits for ground-source heat pumps installed at Echo Trail and Perry Elementary Schools. JCPS is planning to invest millions over the next decade to build new, modernized school facilities. Morel Construction, and engineering and consulting firm CMTA, completed these projects.
The School District of Baraboo installed solar panel arrays at Jack Young Middle School and Baraboo High School. Westphal & Company, a local electrical construction firm, completed these projects.
Westborough Public Schools received $1.80 million in energy tax credits for installing ground-source heat pumps and a rooftop solar array at Annie E. Fales Elementary School. The project is expected to generate 110% of the building’s energy needs, making it net-positive and contributing energy to the grid.
Northland Pines School District added a solar array outside St. Germain Elementary School - the district’s fourth solar project. Hoffman Planning, Design, and Construction, a leading firm with a dedicated school facilities team, completed this project.
Seattle Public Schools had ground-source heat pump systems installed at three elementary schools. The district employed apprentices and met high-road labor standards in all three projects.
West Union Elementary School replaced its failing 1957 boiler with a ground-source heat pump system. Casper Plumbing and Heating, a local contractor, completed this $4.2 million project.
Oregon School District, home to Wisconsin’s first net-zero school, added a rooftop solar array to Oregon High School. Full Spectrum Solar, a local family-owned and operated business, completed this project.
These energy investments are modernizing aging school infrastructure, creating local jobs, and generating savings for districts. Elective Pay has made these opportunities more accessible than ever, already opening the door for hundreds of projects across the country.
Download these resources to learn how your district can take advantage of this opportunity.
As the future of energy tax credits is at risk, you can stay informed about their status on our blog which is regularly updated with the latest information. You can also help us size up what is at stake for our schools — tell us about a clean energy project underway in your community.