Solar and EV Charging for Nonprofits

Overview

Human Service Providers can request funding for:

  • Solar panels
  • Battery storage
  • Vehicle-to-building electric vehicle charging 

Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR)’s Renewables and Resilience Program can fund up to 100% of the costs associated with installing solar panels, battery storage and EV charging. This program supports Denver’s goal of a 100% carbon-free electric grid by 2030.

Human Service Providers can:  

  1. Reduce utility costs: Lower operating costs allow more funding for critical support services.
  2. Reduce fossil fuel consumption: A solar system that covers 100% of electricity costs would avoid 1,185 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. Protect public health: Burning less fossil fuel improves both indoor and outdoor air quality Increase resiliency: Solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-building EV charging can provide backup power to buildings during power outages, avoiding higher utility costs during heavy demand.  

Program Background

The Path to 100% Renewable Energy in Denver 
Denver is working towards a 100% renewable energy future by 2030. The city is working with Xcel Energy, the first investor-owned utility to announce a voluntary target, to reach that goal.  

  • 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 
  • 80% renewable electricity on their electric grid by 2030 

However, there is still a gap that Denver must close between Xcel Energy’s carbon reduction trajectory  and the city’s goal of 100% renewable energy. Denver has significant untapped potential that can help close this gap, a key component of the city’s 100% Renewable Electricity Action Plan

The deployment, integration, and management of solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-building (V2B) electric vehicle (EV) charging, is essential to support a 100% carbon-free electric grid. However, these upgrades can be cost-prohibitive for non-profit Human Service Providers and low- and moderate-income residents in Denver. CASR’s goal is to reduce the electricity-associated greenhouse gas emissions from each Human Service Provider funded by this program by at least 20%.  

Investing in Solar, Battery Storage, and EV Charging for Human Service Providers 

CASR intends to meet this goal by offering a financial incentive to human service providers. The incentive can fund up to 100% of the costs associated with installation. This program will also accelerate market adoption, leading to greater emissions reductions more quickly. The technologies included and the levels of incentives offered will be updated as market conditions change. 

CASR has determined that the incentive program aligns with the Legislative Declaration establishing the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (Sec. 2-404 D.R.M.C.) as well as the Permitted Uses of Revenue in the Climate Protection Fund (Sec. 2-405 of the D.R.M.C.). 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration: 

  1. The proposed projects must serve a building owned and occupied by the applying Human Service Provider. Eligible installations must include consideration of the following components:
    • Renewable power generation (e.g. solar photovoltaics)
    • Resiliency (e.g. battery storage and/or V2B EV charging)
  2. The applicant must be a Human Service Provider, defined as a non-profit entity that offers critical services, examples of which may include but are not limited to:
    • Advocacy organizations (e.g., Community Advocacy, Social Service Advocacy, or similar)
    • Affordable housing providers
    • After-school providers
    • Childcare centers
    • Community centers
    • Community financial institutions (e.g., credit unions, non-profit lenders)
    • Disability service providers
    • Domestic Violence Centers
    • Emergency service organizations
    • Family support organizations
    • Food pantries
    • Homeless shelters
    • Hospitals, health care facilities, and clinics
    • Housing service providers Immigration service providers
    • Job training and workforce development services
    • Law/legal centers (non-profit/pro-bono services to income-qualified communities)
    • Libraries
    • Mental and behavioral health facilities
    • Places of worship
    • Rehabilitation providers
    • Senior centers
    • Transitional or supportive housing (including for teens and LGBTQ)
    • Women’s or children’s shelters 
  3. The applicant must have a demonstrable connection to and input from the local community. 
  4. The building must be an Xcel Energy customer located within the City and County of Denver. 

Submit an Application

Applications are completed in two steps: 

Step 1: Confirmation of Applicant Eligibility
Step 2: Installation Project Scope and Quote 

Step 1 applications may be submitted on a rolling basis. Step 1 applicants will be notified if they are invited to submit a Step 2 application and will receive a direct link to the submission form. 

Step 1 Application Required Document Uploads: 

  • Proof of building ownership
  • Proof of non-profit status
  • Recent Xcel Energy bill for the building
  • At least two letters of support from partner community-based organizations or members served by the applicant 

If a Step 1 application is approved to move to Step 2, the applicant can choose any of the following Step 2 application deadlines to submit to:

  • June 7
  • December 7

Step 2 Application Required Document Uploads: 

  1. Project quote (must contain 1) equipment costs; 2) labor costs; 3) estimate from Xcel Energy and/or qualified contractor as applicable to provide additional electric service)
  2. Supporting documentation related to the solar photovoltaic system
  3. Diversity and Inclusiveness in city Solicitations Request Form
  4. W-9
  5. Current Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State  

All required forms and supporting documentation must be included at the time the application is submitted. Please review the Sample Agreement with the city’s standard language and insurance requirements and the Full Program Description before submitting your application.  

Evaluation of Applications

Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria described below, with the weights allocated to each criterion. 

  1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Assessment (40 points) – There must be a demonstrated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by comparing the historical, or expected, electricity use of the building vs the estimated annual solar production of the proposed system. CASR will prepare the assessment using data submitted by the applicant. 
  2. Cost Effectiveness (30 points) – Installation should represent a cost-effective opportunity to install electric upgrades when paired with Climate Protection Fund support. The applicant must demonstrate an ability to leverage additional funding sources to minimize the required support from the Climate Protection Fund.  
  3. Resiliency Benefits (15 points) – Installation should capture resiliency benefits such as the ability to provide backup power and continue operations during a grid outage, etc. Additional benefits may include but are not limited to reduction in urban heat island effects through the use of solar carports. 
  4. Community Impact (10 points) – There must be a demonstrated connection to and input from the local community the Human Service Provider serves. Additional benefits may include but are not limited to projects located in a NEST neighborhood.   

The city may request an interview as part of the evaluation process. Any such interviews will take place after CASR has conducted an initial review of submitted applications.  

The city reserves the right to negotiate the total contract amount and award all, some, or none of the requested award. The city is not liable for any costs or expenses arising out of preparation of this application and selected applicants may not include any of these costs or expenses as part of their fee, rate, or charge for performing work under the contract.  

CASR encourages applicants to utilize small-, minority-, and woman-owned businesses on their project team and, where independent contractors are needed, consider utilizing individuals who identify as people of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and people whose household income is below the area median.  

Award Notification

CASR will make award determinations twice a year. CASR reserves the right to not award any applications during each award period.

Maximum award expenditure for 2025 is $2 million.

Awardees

The Renewables and Resilience Program has begun its installation for these awardees in 2022 and 2023.

Church in the City

Church in the City will be installing 95 kW of solar on their building on Gaylord Street. The church has served Denver’s inner city for 30 years. They help struggling adults, families in transition or in crisis, “at risk” youth, and children of all ages. The church is a distribution partner for Food Bank of the Rockies. Their building also houses several other churches and serves as an Emergency Shelter for East High School. 

Learn More

Clayton Early Learning

Clayton Early Learning (CEL) will be installing 250 kW of solar and EV charging at their building. You can find them on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. CEL is an innovation hub that fosters thriving, equitable communities. They partner with families to nurture a whole child and take a whole family approach to the early years. They discover what works, and advance systems change.  

Learn More

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless will be installing 30 kW of solar at their new Recuperative Care Center on California Street. The Care Center will meet the immediate healthcare needs for 500 people experiencing homelessness annually through medical respite and recuperative care, while also providing 98 units of affordable and supportive housing.

Learn more

Colorado Family Church

The Colorado Family Church will be installing 30 kW of solar and an electrical vehicle charging station at their building on Julian Street. The church serves as a place of worship, a community food bank, and hosts Heartland Academy as well as other local community groups.

Learn more

Congregation Rodef Shalom

Congregation Rodef Shalom will be installing 50 kW of solar on their building. You can find them on S. Kearney Street. Congregation Rodef Shalom is grounded in Jewish community and tradition. They provide preschool education from infants through pre-k. They also offer after-school programming for children, teens, and adults.  

Learn More

Denver Rescue Mission

Denver Rescue Mission will be installing 47 kW of solar at their Lawrence Street Community Center. The Community Center is the hub for their emergency and supportive services and can shelter over 300 people. This project is in partnership with Xcel Energy’s Community Resilience Initiative, which will install 250 kW of battery storage at the day shelter to provide approximately 4 hours of backup power.

Learn more

Greater Park Hill Community

Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. will be installing 30 kW of solar at their building on North Fairfax Street. Greater Park Hill facilitates community advocacy and hosts a food pantry, a weekend food program for students, and a free farm stand during growing season.

Learn more

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity will be installing 55 kW of solar on their High Street Townhomes. They will also install 64 kW of solar on their ReStore on Rio Grande Boulevard. Habitat Metro Denver develops, renovates, and sells affordable housing to homeowners. This allows them to achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life.  

Learn More

The Jewish Experience

The Jewish Experience will be installing 21 kW of solar and EV charging at their building on S Monaco Parkway. The JE provides education, inspiration, and community connection for thousands of families across the spectrum of Jews in Colorado.

Learn More

Jewish Family Service

Jewish Family Service will be installing 172 kW of solar on their building on S Tamarac Drive. JFS is a 151-year-old organization that serves anyone in need. They provide vital comprehensive services to individuals and families including:

  • Programming to address food insecurity
  • Improving quality of life for older adults
  • Promoting mental well-being
  • Preventing homelessness
  • Increasing access to employment services
  • Providing job training and enrichment to people with disabilities   

Learn More

Mercy Housing

Mercy Housing will be installing 70 kW of solar on their Grace Apartments building. They will also install 31 kW of solar on their Willow Street Apartments building. Mercy Housing Mountain Plains provides safe, stable, program-enriched housing. They serve almost 3,000 low-income individuals. This includes families, seniors, people with special needs, and those who are formerly homeless.

Learn More

Museo de las Americas

Museo de las Americas will be installing 21 kW of solar on their building on Santa Fe Drive. Museo de las Americas provides art and education to educate the community about Latino art and culture. They reach out to 7,000 students and 22,000 visitors per year. Visitors learn from their exhibitions and programs about social justice and cultural identity.   

Learn More

Servicios de la Raza

Servicios de la Raza will be installing 34 kW of solar and an electric vehicle charging station at their building on West 14th Avenue. Servicios serves Latinos and other communities of color by providing behavioral and mental health programs, basic emergency services, support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, re-entry services for adults and youth, and employment education and preparation.

Learn more

St. Francis Center

The St. Francis Center will be installing 26 kW of solar at the Warren Residences on East 14th Avenue. The St. Francis Center is a refuge for people who are homeless in the Denver metro area, providing shelter along with services to enable people to meet their basic needs for daily survival and to transition out of homelessness. The newly-renovated Warren Residences offer affordable one-bedroom spaces for 48 residents in community.

Learn more

Thomas Bean Towers

The Denver Housing Authority will be installing 47 kW of solar on Thomas Bean Towers. DHA operates over 3,900 conventional housing units and almost 700 multifamily units. All units are for income-qualified families. They also operate 200 other locally-funded housing units. This includes Thomas Bean Towers, which primarily houses disabled and elderly residents.  

Learn More

Urban Land Conservancy

The Urban Land Conservancy will be installing 67 kW of solar at an office and warehouse space they own on Decatur Street. The building hosts the Energy Resource Center, which provides low-income families with energy-efficient utility improvements, Mile High Youth Corps, which gives youth aged 16-24 paid work experience and career skills focused on conservation and neighborhood improvement, and BlueStar Recyclers, which employs people with autism or other disabilities who work to ethically recycle electronic waste.

Learn more

Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America will be installing 70 kW of solar at the Bill Daniels Veterans Service Center. The Veterans Service Center is a central location for veterans and their families to identify and access veteran services including housing, employment, legal services, education, mental health, VA benefits, public benefits, volunteering, peer support, and financial literacy.

Learn more

Warren Village

Warren Village will be installing 140 kW of solar and EV charging at their new housing complex. You can find them on West Nevada Place. Warren Village provides resources to unhoused and unstably housed low-income single-parent families. This allows them to achieve economic mobility. They also learn how to navigate and disrupt the systems of poverty. 

Learn More

Women's Bean Project

Women’s Bean Project will be installing 110 kW of solar and EV charging at their building. You can find them on W. Alameda Avenue. WBP provides job training and employment to women facing significant barriers to work. They sell high-quality food products made by these women to support their mission.  

Learn More