Mission Energy News: December 2025
Counting Down to the Solar Investment Tax Credit Expiration in 2026
Act Now to Secure 30%+ in Federal Savings for Your Solar Project
Under previous legislation in 2022, nonprofits have had unprecedented access to the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for renewable energy projects through the Elective Pay option, commonly referred to as “Direct Pay.” This provision allows tax-exempt organizations to receive cash payments from the IRS for renewable energy installations. effectively reducing the cost of solar energy installations and/or battery storage projects by 30% or more. Direct Pay has given nonprofits the opportunity to invest in solar energy to lower their carbon footprint, reduce energy costs, and redirect savings back into their missions.
Here’s an example of how Direct Pay works: if you are paying for a $1M solar installation, you would receive a direct payment from the IRS of $300,000 after filing the required forms for the tax year that the installation is completed. This Direct Pay option can significantly decrease your ongoing electricity operating costs and increase your investment payback.
The OBBBA Phase-Out of Direct Pay for Nonprofits
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law in July 2025 phases out Direct Pay for nonprofits in 2026. There’s still time for renewable energy projects to access the ITC savings, but the clock is running. To qualify, projects must “begin construction” by July 4, 2026, and have four years to complete construction. If the project doesn’t “begin construction” until after July 4th, 2026, the project must be “placed in service” by December 31, 2027. Battery storage projects can claim the credit through 2032. Furthermore, projects can be eligible for additional bonus credits which can increase the total elective payment amount.
Time is Running Out for Direct Pay for Nonprofits
· Direct Pay offers nonprofits 30%+ federal cash payment on your total project cost (up to 50% with bonus credits)
· For example: Install a $1M solar system, receive $300,000+ back as a direct payment from the IRS
· This opportunity expires in 2026 for nonprofit solar projects
Options to Access Direct Pay in 2026
Least Risk Timeline: Contract signed by May 2026 → Construction begins by July 4, 2026
Signing a contract to install your project (cash or PPA) by May 2026 provides maximum certainty. Mission Energy secures your project through a process called "safe harbor,” essentially locking in your eligibility by spending at least 5% of total project costs on equipment before the July 4, 2026 deadline. This milestone confirms your project has officially "begun construction," giving you four years to complete installation while maintaining full Direct Pay eligibility. This timeline builds in buffer time for permitting, utility approvals, and any unforeseen delays without jeopardizing your federal savings.
Higher Risk Timeline: Contract signed after May 2026 → System operational by December 31, 2027
If you have signed a contract to install your solar project after May 2026 and your project is not under construction before July 4th, 2026, then your system construction must be finished and capable of producing power by December 31, 2027. This compressed timeline leaves little room for delays in permitting, utility interconnection, or construction—any of which could disqualify your project from the Direct Pay rebate.
Take Action to Secure Direct Pay for Your Project
The federal Direct Pay opportunity for nonprofit solar projects is sunsetting, but organizations that act now can still capture substantial savings. With proper planning and an experienced developer, you can lock in 30%+ in federal payments while creating decades of energy cost stability.
Mission Energy is experienced in navigating these requirements and timelines through proactive project management. Contact our team today to assess your property's solar potential and understand how much you could save before this opportunity expires.
Project Updates
With the signing of the OBBBA law in July of 2025, we have seen a rapid increase in project development and construction. Clients rightfully don’t want to miss out on the 30% ITC Direct Pay rebate before it expires in 2026. Below are some of our notable projects completed this year, and currently under development or construction.
The rooftop solar project at St. Joachim Church in Costa Mesa, CA was completed this fall. The energy produced will offset nearly 100% of the facility’s annual utility power consumption.
Rooftop solar at St. Joachim Church
A reception at St. Joachim Church to celebrate their new solar project
Rooftop and carport solar at St. Junipero Serra School
SSM Health completed their new comprehensive eye clinic in Sun Prairie, WI, just outside of Madison. Mission Energy installed car canopies with solar across its surface parking lots to serve employees and patients.
SSM Health’s St. Anthony Hospital, in Shawnee, OK, will have a new 1.25 MW solar ground array completed in early 2026. This array will only be the third installation across the hospital utility’s service area.
The rooftop and carport solar system at St. Junipero Serra School in Santa Margarita, CA was completed this fall.
“Your team was great and again, if you ever need a recommendation, please lmk!” - Tim Toledo, Sr. Principal
The solar system at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach, CA combines a rooftop array and a vast parking lot solar canopy across the street for its Cathedral guests. Construction will be completed in January.
Carport Solar at SSM Health - Sun Prairie Eye Clinic
Carport solar under construction at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church
Preliminary design for the ground array at SSM Health - St. Anthony Hospital
Two projects with USA East Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) have been completed:
The ground array has been installed at Loyola on the Potomac, a Jesuit Retreat House in Faulkner, MD, on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River, serving as a home for prayer and discernment, and surrounded by 235 acres.
The St. Claude la Colombiere Jesuit Community Residence in Baltimore, MD is a beautiful, modern, LEED-certified 60,000 square-foot residence offering senior Jesuits assisted-living services.
Learn more about our projects with the UEA Province here
Solar array at Loyola on the Potomac Retreat House
Rooftop solar at the St. Claude la Colombiere Jesuit Community Residence
Mission Energy worked with the local solar installer to provide drone video of the rooftop solar array at Marist Catholic High School, in Chicago, IL, for the school to send to staff, students, parents and their community.
Solar array installation at the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton
The racking framework for the ground array installation on the grounds of the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD has been completed, despite the wintery mix. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native-born American to be named a saint. The Shrine is governed by the Sisters of Charity Federation.
Mission Energy is partnering with Allina Health in 2026 to install more than 1 MW of rooftop solar at one of their Minneapolis, MN facilities.
Preliminary design for rooftop solar at an Allina Health facility
The Sacred Heart Convent of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois will install rooftop solar in 2026. Illinois has some of the best incentives for on-site solar generation and, coupled with the remaining federal incentives in 2026, are providing our clients very healthy energy cost savings and returns on investment.
“We are grateful to Mission Energy for their advocacy with our power company and are looking forward to a smooth rollout of this project.” - Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P.
Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn, NY has some old roofs; therefore, Mission Energy will be using innovative raised solar panels for its 407kW system that minimizes penetration while leaving ample room when the school plans to replace the roof surface.
Preliminary design for rooftop solar at Nazareth Regional High School
Elevated solar racking can be used to simplify roof maintenance
Preliminary design for the rooftop solar at Brother Rice High School
Brother Rice High School, in Chicago, IL, is teaming with Mission Energy to take advantage of 500kW of on-site battery storage coupled with its 649kW roof top solar. The battery storage in their ComEd service market will substantially increase their financial benefits. The batteries will discharge into the grid throughout the hotter summer to greatly lower their peak demand rate charged by the utility. This lower peak demand will provide the high school far great utility cost savings than solar alone.
Mission Energy is proud to serve as Program Manager of the Catholic Energies Program.
As a program of Catholic Climate Covenant, Catholic Energies provides trusted project development and management services designed specifically for Catholic organizations. Our team brings resources Catholic organizations often lack to advance projects that will reduce the financial burden of high and uncertain energy costs.
Power Your Mission
Mission Energy’s Initiative to Amplify Nonprofit Impact in 2026
At Mission Energy, we believe in the power of mission-driven organizations and the ripple effect that happens when organizations work together to create lasting change.
That's why we're launching our 2026 Nonprofit Partnership Initiative: a program designed to help nonprofits and mission-driven organizations redirect energy savings toward what matters most, while strengthening the entire nonprofit community.
$15,000 to Amplify Impact
When your organization or a property you refer contracts with Mission Energy for a solar and/or storage project of at least 500kW/45,000 SF by May 31, 2026, we'll contribute $15,000 to a tax-deductible nonprofit of your choice, or directly to your organization if you're a tax-deductible nonprofit.
This initiative does two powerful things:
First, it locks in long-term financial benefits for the contracting organization. Solar energy systems stabilize costs, reduce utility expenses, and free up budget to invest in core mission work. With the 30% federal Elective Pay rebate still available, there's a limited window to maximize these savings.
Second, it amplifies impact across the nonprofit community. Whether you're securing solar for your own facilities or connecting us with another organization, your partnership creates a donation that supports critical work in your community.
Why We Are Taking Action Now
The current nonprofit fundraising landscape is challenging. At the same time, rising utility costs continue to strain operating budgets. Solar offers a solution to both: immediate cost savings and long-term financial stability that allows organizations to do more of what they do best.
The 30% federal Direct Pay rebate makes solar more accessible than ever for tax-exempt organizations but this opportunity won't last forever. Acting before the May 31, 2026 deadline ensures your organization or referral can maximize available incentives while contributing to the broader nonprofit community.
Built on Trust, Proven Through Partnership
Mission Energy has become the largest distributed generation solar developer serving Catholic-owned and nonprofit properties, largely through word of mouth and the trust we've earned by delivering on our commitments. We guide organizations through every step of the solar journey, from initial assessment to financing, construction management, and beyond.
Now, we're actively seeking to connect with organizations and commercial property owners who are ready to explore how solar and storage can create financial flexibility, operational resilience, and environmental impact.
Let’s Power Your Mission, Together
Whether you're exploring solar for your own facilities or know an organization that could benefit, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how this partnership can create value for everyone involved.
Contact Page directly to explore project viability, discuss potential referrals, or introduce us to organizations in your network.
Page Gravely, President, page@mission.energy, cell: 703-434-0059
Meet the Mission Energy Team: Page Gravely
Behind every successful project Mission Energy develops for our clients is a team of dedicated professionals.
Meet Page Gravely, President
I started Mission Energy with Dan, Robert, and Laura in 2017. As President, my primary responsibility is to be the client’s first point of contact for advice, questions, information, and education. Our clients largely come from referrals and word of mouth. I am most proud of the company culture I have helped nourish that provides every prospective client transparency, professionalism, and accurate and thorough analysis so they can make fully informed decisions every step of the way. We have been able to provide funding, installation, development and construction management innovations that ensure every project is developed in the best interest of the client.
My home is in Chapel Hill, NC where I get to dote on my nephew’s three boys, and live near my two sisters, brother-in-law, and son. Travel, Rotary Club, golf, cooking, and practically any activity outdoors are my most cherished hobbies.
Solar Developer or Solar Contractor
Understanding the Difference
We are often asked “What is the difference between a solar developer versus a solar Contractor?” Understanding the distinction is critical to ensuring your project's success. Mission Energy is a turnkey solar developer, meaning we take your solar project from inception through completion. We hire solar contractors to perform the physical installation work of your solar project, which is just one piece of the puzzle.
Three Critical Advantages to Working with a Solar Developer
1. We Advocate for Your Best Price and Quality
As your developer, we create the engineered design for your project, then solicit and analyze competitive bids from qualified solar contractors in your area. This ensures you get the most competitive pricing and thoroughly vetted installation partners.
A solar contractor won't seek bids from their own competitors. Without this competitive process, you're exposed to pricing risk and may not fully understand who you're working with—their equipment sources, financial stability, or track record.
We represent your best interests by independently negotiating with multiple contractors on your behalf.
2. We Provide Independent Construction Management and Oversight
Mission Energy manages construction oversight while remaining completely independent from the contractor doing the installation. This separation is essential.
When a contractor serves as both developer and installer, quality may be compromised by a conflict of interest. Who verifies the system is installed correctly? Who ensures the right equipment was used and all code requirements are met? What happens if the contractor goes out of business mid-project?
As your developer, we're accountable for fixing any problems—from mistakes to improprieties—created by the contractor or utility. We stay impartial and focused on your successful project.
3. We Bring Capital Resources to the Table
Contractors make their money through equipment sales and installation labor. Few have the relationships or expertise to secure third-party capital like Power Purchase Agreements that can eliminate your upfront costs.
Mission Energy provides access to financing options that align with your organization's goals and budget. We're not here to sell you equipment—we're here to help you make fully informed decisions with the resources you need.
If you move forward, we're accountable for delivering independent capital, development, and construction management services from start to finish.
As Your Solar Developer, Mission Energy Works for You
Some contractors claim they "do development" because they can create designs and apply for permits. But true development means competitive bidding, independent oversight, and comprehensive financing solutions—all focused on a successful project that supports your organization’s goals and mission.
Ready to explore how solar can work for your organization? Contact our team to discuss your project and learn how we guide you through every step of the process.
Clean Energy Legislation and Industry News
Some recent headlines in clean energy:
US added 2 GW of solar in September, putting 2025 ahead of 2024 for new solar generation
Solar accounted for three-quarters of new generation installed so far this year, followed by wind at 13% and gas at 11%
Why are electricity prices going up?
An analysis by Lawrence Berkeley National Labs turned conventional wisdom about load growth on its head.
US coal binge helps Asia pull ahead of the West in clean power push
Over the first 10 months of 2025, the United States was the only major power market to increase the carbon intensity of power generation.
Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is ‘crying out’
“As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to act swiftly, with faith and prophecy, to protect the gift He entrusted to us,” he said.
Data center boom creates political conundrum for the GOP
President Donald Trump is all in on the artificial intelligence build-out. Other Republicans are being more cautious.
While Elective Pay itself remains intact, there's a closing window of opportunity for tax-exempt entities to claim the clean energy tax credits before they expire.
Utilities can manage data center demand with focused tariffs and rate design
Enverus report says actions can weed out speculators and shorten interconnection queues.
This Ohio county banned wind and solar. Now, residents are pushing back.
Richland County forbade large-scale renewable energy in most townships. Next May, voters will have a chance to reject the rules in a first-of-its-kind referendum.
Illinois takes steps to address high energy costs, betting big on battery storage
A customer surcharge should pay it back more than 10-fold over the next 20 years.
Happy Holidays from Mission Energy
As we close out 2025, we're grateful for the opportunity to partner with mission-driven organizations like yours in powering a cleaner, more resilient future.
This year, we've seen the transformative benefits of solar and battery storage—reducing energy costs, enhancing resiliency, and freeing up resources for organizations to invest in core missions.
Your commitment to environmental stewardship while serving your communities continues to inspire our work every day.
From all of us at Mission Energy, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and a bright new year filled with impact, possibility, and energy that powers your mission.
Warmly,
The Mission Energy Team
Mission Energy: We're wired to re-think power.
Mission Energy is the premier solar developer, guiding commercial solar projects end-to-end by aligning our expertise with your mission and goals. We re-think your energy systems to make commercial solar installation plausible and profitable.
We’re the experts to set your energy goals in motion, from assessment and development of your commercial solar solution, to financing and construction management.
Converting to solar benefits your organization, your community, and future generations. We make the transition to commercial solar energy systems seamless.
We know solar. And that makes solar work for you.
Interested in learning how solar, storage, and energy efficiency can benefit your organization?
Reach out for a consultation with our team to discuss your programs, facilities and property, and learn about your energy goals and limitations. We want to understand the services you’re seeking, your motivations, priorities, and timelines. Our consultation and initial analysis is at no charge to you.