1 Free NABCEP CEU – Getting Solar for Non-Profits, Government, and Other Non-Taxpayers

Join HeatSpring Solar MBA and Financial Modeling for Solar PV Projects instructor, Chris Lord, for an information packed, free course on getting solar for non-profits, government, and other non-taxpayers.

Historically, federal clean energy incentives favored tax payers. Now with the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, these entities can utilize the direct pay option. Chris notes, “the direct pay option is a game-changer for tax-exempt organizations and government entities. Where these entities could only take advantage of the federal tax incentives indirectly through a PPA with a tax-paying entity, they may now apply directly for a cash payment for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)/Production Tax Credit(PTC).” This unlocks the benefits of solar for thousands of potential new customers and communities.

In this one-hour free course, Chris will be joined by Corey Ramsden, VP of Go Solar Programs at Solar United Neighbors, and Jeffrey Lesk, President and Co-Founder of New Partners Community Solar.

In his former role as Managing Partner of Nixon Peabody’s Washington, D.C. office, Jeff Lesk’s vision was to create a model for the law firm of the future—more connected, sustainable, and community-oriented. His thought leadership included installing a solar array on the firm’s new DC office. This ultimately led to co-founding New Partners Community Solar with Herb Stevens and launching the first community solar project in the District. Recently retired, Jeff co-manages New Partners. This is a capstone of Jeff’s 40-year legal career, which has focused on the legal aspects of developing and financing complex affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable energy transactions. One of the first LEED AP attorneys in the nation, Jeff’s practice also included sustainable development. Jeff has been a frequent lecturer on his areas of expertise, including teaching Community Development Finance in the University of Maryland Masters in Real Estate program. He continues this educational focus on behalf of New Partners in a variety of contexts – promoting renewable energy, green development and finance, and environmental justice. Jeff brings active thought leadership to New Partners in sustainability, innovation, and community development. He has inspired pro bono engagement from a broad spectrum of individuals and has kept New Partners focused on the effects of climate change on people in our own community.

Corey Ramsden is an experienced IT and solar professional. He was inspired to pursue the latter path by a museum exhibit on sustainable communities. He realized that he wanted his professional life to expand renewable energy and positively affect his community. It took a few years, but by volunteering, taking online courses, working for a local solar installer, and an online solar shopping site he set himself on a path toward his current role at Solar United Neighbors. Now he develops, deploys, and scales educational materials and on-the-ground project models in rooftop solar, community solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. He is a NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional and a graduate of Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore.

The course provides 1 NABCEP CEU in the renewable energy elective category for all certifications or 1 advanced training hour in preparation for the PV Technical Sales Exam.

This event is the first in a three-part, “2023 Solar Leadership and Business Development Webinar Series” series, taught by the instructors of the Solar Executive MBA training program. You can register for the full series for free here: “2023 Solar Leadership and Business Development Webinar Series“