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The One Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future

On July 4, President Trump signed the sprawling and controversial One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)—a massive budget reconciliation package with major implications for renewable energy development nationwide. While the bill is complex, its impacts on solar, storage, manufacturing, and project finance are substantial, and the timelines are tight.

Here’s what Wisconsin’s clean energy developers and businesses need to know, without the fluff.

Construction Start Dates: Get Moving Now

If you’re planning utility-scale solar, wind, or storage projects, start now. Waiting could cost you the federal tax credits that make these projects financially viable.

The bill incentivizes two waves of project starts:

– By December 31, 2025: To avoid the new restrictions on Chinese-made equipment and financing.
– Projects that begin construction by July 4, 2026, will be safe harbored under the old rules and have until the end of 2030 to be placed in service—effectively avoiding the stricter December 31, 2027 deadline.

The IRS has used a flexible standard since 2013 to define “construction start,” but that’s about to change. President Trump issued an executive order on July 7 directing Treasury to tighten the rules. Symbolic gestures like minimal site work or vague contracts likely won’t be enough anymore.

Technology-Neutral Tax Credits (Sections 45Y & 48E)

The OBBB confirms the transition to technology-neutral tax credits, which apply to:

– Zero or negative greenhouse gas emission power projects
– Energy storage (regardless of emissions)

Potential value: 30–70% of project cost, plus bonus credits for domestic content and energy communities.

Key deadline: Solar and wind projects must be in service by December 31, 2027 — unless construction begins before July 4, 2026.

Non-solar and non-wind projects (like geothermal, hydro, and biomass) have until the end of 2033 to start construction at the full credit rate, with step-downs in 2034 and 2035.

FEOC Rules: Chinese Equipment and Financing Under Fire

Beginning in 2026, projects using certain Chinese-made equipment or financing will be ineligible for major federal tax credits.

Exemption: Projects under construction by December 31, 2025.

Developers should begin sourcing alternatives now. Compliance with FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) rules is critical to preserving project economics.

End of the Road for the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit

 Homeowners will no longer be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. This applies to residential solar PV, battery storage, geothermal heat pumps, and other eligible technologies. Originally set to phase down gradually through 2034, the credit is now scheduled to end abruptly.

Unlike the commercial credit (48), Section 25D only applies to systems that are owned directly by the homeowner—not those installed under a lease or third-party power purchase agreement (PPA). This change hits especially hard in states like Wisconsin, where third-party financing remains legally ambiguous or restricted. Without the 25D credit or clear pathways for leasing, many homeowners could be effectively locked out of affordable clean energy options

What Does “Completed” Mean?

According to IRS and Treasury guidance, a system is only considered “placed in service” when it is fully installed, operational, and legally interconnected. Merely signing a contract, incurring preliminary expenses, pulling permits, or partially installing equipment does not qualify. The system must be fully functional and delivering energy to the grid by December 31, 2025.

While the IRS has historically applied a flexible standard for defining when “construction starts”—allowing for symbolic gestures like minor site work or vague contracts—that’s changing. A July 7 executive order from President Trump directs the Treasury to tighten the rules. Under the new law, substantial expenditure is now being used as the marker of project completion. This means only actual capital outlays toward completed, operational systems will count, raising the bar for what qualifies as “placed in service.”

Can Homeowners Still Use Carryover Credits?

Yes. If a homeowner’s 2025 tax credit exceeds their liability, they can carry over the unused amount into future years.

Example: A $30,000 solar system yields a $9,000 tax credit. If the homeowner’s 2025 tax liability is $6,000, the remaining $3,000 carries forward to 2026.

Action Steps for Installers
– Push to finalize and install projects well before year-end.
– Educate customers about the “placed in service” requirement.
– Help customers understand how carryover works for high-ticket systems.

Battery and Solar Manufacturing (Section 45X): Tightened and Trimmed

Manufacturing credits remain, but are more limited:

– Wind components lose eligibility after 2027.
– Stacking credits is restricted unless components are made domestically and in the same facility.

Eligibility has been expanded for battery modules with essential subcomponents, giving manufacturers more flexibility, provided they localize supply chains.

Legacy Credits: Still Alive, With Limits

Projects under construction before December 31, 2024, can still claim the older Section 45/48 credits. These projects avoid FEOC restrictions and retain favorable timelines for completion.

Note: The permanent 10% ITC under Section 48 has been eliminated.

Depreciation and Direct Pay: Shifting Gears

The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is the primary tax depreciation system used in the U.S. It allows businesses to recover the cost of certain tangible property over a specified number of years through annual tax deductions.

MACRS Depreciation: Projects using tech-neutral credits still get 5-year depreciation. Geothermal projects using legacy credits do not.
– Bonus Depreciation: Restored at 100% for equipment acquired after January 19, 2025.
– Direct Pay: Remains for public entities and select private projects, including carbon capture, hydrogen, and clean tech manufacturing.

Clean Fuels and Carbon Capture

The OBBB makes targeted changes to clean fuel and carbon capture tax credits, tightening eligibility and reshaping project economics:

– Section 45Z: Clean fuel credits extended through 2029. Sustainable airline fuels credit drops to $1/gal in 2026. Feedstocks must be 100% from North America after 2025.
– Section 45Q: Carbon capture credits are now $85/ton for all qualifying uses, but only for new post-enactment projects.

Business Models Must Evolve

Installers, developers, and manufacturers must take decisive steps to adapt:
– Secure construction starts before deadlines.
– Rethink sourcing strategies in light of FEOC restrictions.
– Educate customers on the 25D deadline and maximize installations in 2025.
– Invest in domestic manufacturing and battery assembly capabilities.

Final Takeaway: The Clock Is Ticking

The OBBB is both a challenge and an opportunity. The incentives remain strong, but the rules are tighter, timelines are shorter, and the margin for error is shrinking.

Wisconsin’s clean energy sector must act with urgency, clarity, and discipline. Success in this new landscape will require speed and resilience—the kind built through strong partnerships, local supply chains, and long-term strategic planning.

RENEW Wisconsin can decode the bill’s nuances, support your project pipeline, and keep building momentum toward a resilient energy future.

Need help navigating the changes?

Let’s chart the path forward together—connect with our team to explore how these changes impact your projects and where RENEW Wisconsin can help.

The post The One Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Spring 2025 Solar for Good Grant Awards

The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $160,000 in solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for the Spring 2025 grant round. The 15 nonprofits will install 16 projects for a total of 834 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $1.9 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin. 

The grant recipients from the Spring 2025 grant round are a diverse group of organizations, including libraries, nature centers, and houses of worship. Each facility’s solar project will create significant cost savings, allowing them to allocate more funds to their community-focused missions. 

The following organizations have been awarded Spring 2025 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:

Aldo Leopold Nature Center – education/conservation, Monona
Cinnaire Solutions Corporation (Collective on Fourth) – affordable housing, Madison
Whitehall Public Library – library, Whitehall
First Congregational Church, UCC – house of worship, La Crosse
Lakes Country Public Library – library, Lakewood
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center – recreation, Milwaukee
Our Nawakwa Youth Camp – education/conservation, Chippewa Falls
Quasimondo Physical Theatre – arts, Milwaukee
The Bridge to Hope – human services, Menomonie
Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA – house of worship, Arkdale
Urban Ecology Center (Washington Park and Prairie Springs) – education/conservation, Milwaukee
Ontario Public Library – library, Ontario
WestCap – affordable housing, Glenwood City
Wonewoc Public Library – library, Wonewoc

*One organization has asked to remain anonymous.

The Solar for Good initiative supports the expansion of solar power among mission-driven nonprofits and houses of worship across Wisconsin. Through a generous partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to accelerating the transition to decarbonization, RENEW Wisconsin awards solar panels to nonprofit organizations seeking to transition to clean, renewable energy. 

“With generous support for our solar project, Ontario Public Library now has the incredible opportunity to invest more deeply in our community while also making a lasting impact in caring for the sustainability of our finances and our environment.”
– Rachel Conner, Library Director of Ontario Public Library

Since 2017, Solar for Good has awarded grants to over 230 nonprofits throughout Wisconsin, resulting in nearly $30 million in renewable energy investments. Collectively, these grant recipients are on track to install more than 10 megawatts of solar energy.

“Thanks to the Solar for Good program and the Couillard Solar Foundation, Our Nawakwa is proud to be moving forward with solar energy at Camp Nawakwa. We are especially grateful to the Chippewa Falls High School Green Team for their hard work, knowledge, enthusiasm, and advocacy. Together, this partnership strengthens our ability to provide environmental education, develop leadership skills, and promote wellness, ensuring Nawakwa’s legacy for generations to come.”
 – Sherry Jasper, Board President of Our Nawakwa, Inc.

With the help of Solar for Good grants, 16 new installations will advance Wisconsin’s transition to solar energy, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term energy savings. Looking ahead, the program remains dedicated to empowering community-centered nonprofits across Wisconsin—helping them make a positive environmental impact, promote economic growth, and better serve the people who depend on them.

“This opportunity through Solar for Good will make a huge impact. It reduces our carbon footprint, increases local air quality, and will provide cost savings to our small arts non-profit, ensuring our ability to serve our community.”
– Brian Rott, Artistic Director of Quasimondo Physical Theatre

RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization, works to advance renewable energy in the state through advocacy and support for solar power, wind energy, renewable fuels, local hydropower, electric vehicles, building electrification, and energy storage.

Many of the participating nonprofits are also benefiting from the federal direct pay provision—an important element of the Inflation Reduction Act. This policy allows tax-exempt entities to receive clean energy tax credits as upfront payments. For many organizations, this critical funding has made solar investments possible for the first time. In fact, for several of the projects highlighted here, direct pay played a crucial role in closing funding gaps and turning long-held clean energy goals into reality. Without it, many of these installations would not have been feasible.

The post Spring 2025 Solar for Good Grant Awards appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Changes to RENEW Wisconsin’s Leadership

Earlier this month, Executive Director Sam Dunaiski informed the RENEW Board and staff that he has decided to step away from the organization to make way for new leadership to guide RENEW’s next chapter. We appreciate the careful thought that went into this decision and are grateful for Sam’s years of service to the organization, as well as his steadfast support of the renewable energy industry.

Sam remains a passionate supporter of RENEW and our mission, and he is working with staff and the RENEW Board to ensure we are positioned for success in the coming months. Transitions bring change and also create space for new opportunities. Our team remains committed to advancing renewable energy across the state, and we are strategically preparing to meet the challenges and seize the potential of tomorrow.

Sam’s last day with RENEW will be Friday, June 6. To maintain operational stability, RENEW’s Deputy Director, Jodi Jean Amble, will serve as Interim Executive Director while the Board and staff work to identify RENEW’s next leader.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
RENEW Wisconsin

The post Changes to RENEW Wisconsin’s Leadership appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

2025 RENEW Wisconsin Summit Recap!

By: Alex Beld

On Thursday, February 6, RENEW held our 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit, presented by Invenergy and Dimension Energy. More than 850 Attendees from across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and even around the globe joined us to discuss state policy, develop professionally, and explore how clean energy is empowering Wisconsin communities.

Not only was this our first Summit that exceeded 800 attendees, but it was also our first time hosting the Energy Pro Demo Day Presented by MREA! Demo Day featured renewable energy education sessions, insights into the latest clean energy technology, NABCEP continuing education credit opportunities, and networking opportunities with top brands and clean energy experts. We are proud to have been able to partner with MREA to add this programming to the Summit. We believe that one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy is to grow and foster the talented workforce that resides in our communities across Wisconsin.

And that’s what the Summit was all about this year, our community. In the year ahead we are looking forward to strengthening and growing the renewable energy community. By maintaining our connections with each other we can use our collective voice to shape our future. This year we had many inspiring speakers who exemplified the spirit of community-focused advocacy for renewable energy.

This year we heard about:

  • Innovative clean energy technologies and their real-world applications
  • Policy frameworks that support sustainable development and community resilience
  • Successful case studies of cross-sector collaborations
  • Strategies for ensuring inclusivity and economic equity in the clean energy transition
  • Best practices for public engagement and advocacy

We were also joined by the likes of our keynote Erica Mackie, and State Senator Jeff Smith. Erica shared insights on a slew of topics from energy equity and workforce development to collaboration with Tribal Nations and federal policy. Senator Smith closed out the day’s events with a forward-looking message on the renewable energy landscape for Wisconsin and the clean energy industry. Thanks to Erica, Jeff, and everyone else who was either joining us for the first time or the 14th time. It’s your participation that makes this event so impactful.

Beyond the many thoughtful breakouts and inspirational stories we heard, attendees also had many opportunities to catch up with other industry leaders, make new connections, and even find opportunities to help each other find ways to complete their renewable energy goals. As we wrap up another successful Summit, we encourage all of our attendees to keep in touch with us and everyone else they had the chance to connect with this year. Our community has the momentum and the know-how needed to reach our goal of a Wisconsin that runs on clean, reliable energy. Thanks to everyone for joining us this year to share your expertise, enthusiasm, and energy. We can’t wait to do it again in 2026!

The post 2025 RENEW Wisconsin Summit Recap! appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

RENEW Wisconsin 2025 Summit Honors Clean Energy Leaders

By: Alex Beld

February 4, 2025, Madison, Wis.During its 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit, RENEW Wisconsin, with presenting sponsors Invenergy and Dimension Energy, will honor individuals and businesses who have made significant and lasting advances in clean energy development in Wisconsin. The Summit will take place Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Monona Terrace in Madison.

RENEW’s 2025 Summit, titled “Powering Tomorrow: Collaborative Innovations for Thriving Communities,” will convene stakeholders from across the state to discuss the latest advancements in clean energy technologies and collaborative strategies driving the transition to a sustainable future. More than 50 speakers made up of industry leaders and experts, like keynote speaker Erica Mackie co-founder of GRID Alternatives, are joining RENEW at this year’s Summit.

The awards are grouped under five categories:

  • Clean Energy Leadership Award: Maria Redmond Advancing Wisconsin’s clean energy plan
  • Clean Energy Community Impact Award: Isaiah Ness Helping disadvantaged communities transition away from fossil fuels
  • Clean Energy Advocate of the Year: Abby Novinska-Lois Mobilizing health professionals as climate advocates
  • Clean Energy Catalyst of the Year: Doral Developing Wisconsin’s largest solar project
  • Member of the Year: Midwest Solar Power Supporting RENEW Wisconsin and increasing access to clean energy

The ceremony will conclude with the 2023 Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize 13 clean energy projects in Wisconsin that recently commenced operation. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these projects showcase the skills and know-how Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace.

Clean Energy Honor Roll:

  • Menominee Nation Elder Homes, Menominee Nation
    Solar and battery backup installations
  • Edgerton Retirement Apartments, Edgerton
    Solar-powered retirement apartments
  • Centro, Madison
    Solar-powered nonprofit facility
  • Kwik Charge, Ashland, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, West Salem
    DC fast-charging stations at four western Wisconsin locations
  • Grant County Solar, Potosi
    200-megawatt utility-scale solar installation with battery storage
  • Charter Steel, Saukville
    Largest behind-the-meter solar project in Wisconsin
  • Paris Solar Farm, Kenosha County
    200-megawatt utility-scale solar installation
  • The Sonnentag Events Center and Fieldhouse, Eau Claire
    Sustainable multi-use community complex
  • Dane County Humane Society Flight Pen, Madison
    50-kilowatt flight pen for birds of prey
  • Holiday Ford Building and Collision Center, Fond du Lac
    469-kilowatt solar array and EV charging station
  • Green Bay Area Public School District, Green Bay
    Solar generation on schools
  • Granite Ridge Elementary School, Cottage Grove
    Solar generation on schools
  • Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison
    Solar generation on schools
  • Nicolet High School, Glendale
    Solar generation on schools
  • Badger Hollow Solar Park, Iowa County
    300-megawatt utility-scale solar installation

The award ceremonies will be held in two parts, with the first highlighting the individual awards and the second focusing on the Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize both people and projects for their role in the clean energy transition. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these accomplishments highlight the skills and know-how that Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace in the Badger State.

Click here for more information on the 2025 Summit program agenda, speakers, and registration. For press passes, please email Alex Beld (abeld@renewwisconsin.org).

The post RENEW Wisconsin 2025 Summit Honors Clean Energy Leaders appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Fall 2024 Solar for Good Grant Awards

The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $220,000 in grants and solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for the Fall 2024 grant round. The 14 nonprofits will install 16 projects for a total of 1,000 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $2.3 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin.

The following organizations have been awarded Fall 2024 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy
systems:
CAP Services, Inc. – community service, Stevens Point
COULEECAP, Inc. Hillcrest Manor – affordable housing, Ontario
COULEECAP, Inc. REACH – community service, La Crosse
EAGLE School of Madison – education, Fitchburg
Family and Children’s Center – community service, La Crosse
Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, Inc. – community service, Beloit
Holy Spirit Parish – house of worship, Stevens Point
Hunger Task Force – community service, West Milwaukee
Ozaukee Food Alliance – community service, Saukville
Recreation and Fitness Resources Center – recreation, Bayfield
Union Congregational United Church of Christ – house of worship, Green Bay
VIA CDC – affordable housing, Milwaukee
West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency – affordable housing, Hudson
*One organization has asked to remain anonymous.

The grant recipients from the Fall 2024 grant round are a diverse range of organizations, representing affordable housing organizations, schools, and houses of worship. Each facility’s solar project will have a significant impact on their budgets, and will allow them to focus more funds on their missions. Holy Spirit Parish will install 90 panels atop their place of worship in Stevens Point, Family Services of Southern Wisconsin will incorporate 69.6kW of solar to their rooftop, and VIA CDC will install solar systems of 5.33 kilowatts on three housing projects in Milwaukee.

“We are thrilled and deeply grateful for this opportunity through RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative. This support allows us to further our mission with VIA’s Turnkey Program and new construction housing, making a lasting, positive impact on our community through sustainable energy,” said JoAnna Bautch, Executive Director at VIA CDC.

Similarly, the Solar for Good grant will allow Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois to continue serving families in need by reducing operational costs and allocating more funding to programming.

“This funding has allowed us to equip our Next Steps Family Resilience Center with solar power that will be vital to the long-term sustainability of this programming for unhoused parents with young children while also contributing to a healthier community overall,” said Kelsey M. Hood-Christenson, President and CEO, of Family & Children’s Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Since 2017, Solar for Good has awarded grants to over 200 nonprofits across Wisconsin, leading to more than $29.4 million of renewable energy investments in the state. Collectively, Solar for Good grant recipients will go on to install more than 10 megawatts of solar energy.

“We are most grateful to the Couillard Solar Foundation for awarding us half the solar panels we need for installation of our solar array at Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point,” said Susan Zach Burns, Solar Project Lead of Holy Spirit Parish. “By reducing our reliance on fossil fuel and turning to solar for a good share of our energy needs, we are joining with you and others to address greenhouse gas emissions and to care for our common home, our beautiful Earth.”

“Our congregation has been energized literally and figuratively by our solar installation and our grant from Solar for Good. Not only will our installation reduce the carbon footprint of our church, it has inspired our members to invest in solar and other climate-friendly initiatives as well,” said Reverand Bridget Flad Daniels, Union Congregational UCC of Green Bay.

Through the assistance from Solar for Good grants, these 16 installations will accelerate Wisconsin’s transition to solar energy, facilitating the expansion of environmental stewardship and energy savings. As Solar for Good looks ahead to future grant rounds, the program will remain committed to supporting nonprofits and houses of worship across the state of Wisconsin by supporting organizations in their efforts to contribute to a positive environmental impact, enhance economic advancement in Wisconsin, and strengthen their ability to aid the communities they serve.

The post Fall 2024 Solar for Good Grant Awards appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

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