Green Bay Reporter

Green Bay, WI — The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has introduced new provisions that enable tax-exempt entities such as schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and churches to access federal tax credits for clean energy projects. These credits encompass installations like solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicles, and their chargers. A mechanism known as 'direct pay' allows these organizations to benefit financially despite their tax-exempt status.

To promote awareness and understanding of these opportunities, Forward Together Wisconsin (FTW), a nonprofit founded by former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, is hosting an informative event. Scheduled for May 5 at the Great Lakes Energy Education Center of NWTC, the event aims to educate local tax-exempt organizations on utilizing direct pay for clean-energy projects. It features speakers who will share insights and success stories regarding these federal provisions.

Alex Galt of Energize Green Bay shared, "This will be a great opportunity for Green Bay nonprofits, houses of worship, and other organizations to learn about direct pay can be used to make clean energy upgrades more affordable. People don’t know that you can get 30% of what you spend on solar panels back in the form of a tax check. It’s like a noncompetitive grant!"

The event lineup includes notable figures such as Mandela Barnes, Brian Adesso of the Menasha School District, and Cassie Rowlands from CYR Strategies. The detailed agenda spans multiple sessions that cover both the technical aspects and practical applications of direct pay.

The event also presents an opportunity for media representatives to engage with speakers. Interviews can be arranged with Alex Galt and Mandela Barnes by contacting their respective communication representatives.

For those interested in joining, registration details are provided on the Forward Together Wisconsin website.