MOVE now to Bring Clean Energy Solutions to nonprofits Across the Country
Your philanthropy amplifies employment, clean energy, and capital for nonprofits working to create lasting impact.
Why It Matters
Starting in 2026, the US Congress is sharply reducing solar and wind incentives. The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) which currently lets homeowners and developers save up to 30% on federal taxes is being phased out quickly under the July 2025 OBBBA Act.
But here is the catch
Projects 1.5 MW and under still have a simple way to secure their federal tax credit: the 5% Safe Harbor rule. By spending just 5% of the total project cost before July 2026, developers can lock in their credit rate with ease.
What is 5% safe harbor
It’s an IRS rule that lets renewable projects lock in a year’s tax credit rate by spending just 5% of the project cost before July 2026. Meet that threshold, and the IRS treats the project as started—so your credit rate is locked in, even if you finish later.
What We Do
MOVE unites nonprofits, philanthropies, and local organizations to build small-scale solar and energy resilience projects (under 1.5MW) across the United States. Our mission is to democratize clean energy, create local jobs, and build community resilience.
Kickstarts Projects With Just 10%
MOVE covers the early planning and soft costs needed for Safe Harbor, unlocking federal incentives and positioning nonprofits to attract the remaining funding needed to complete their projects.
Turns Communities Into Clean-Energy Leaders
Schools, churches, clinics, and nonprofits can now install solar and storage, cut energy bills, and stay open during disasters — without waiting for big utilities.
Delivers Direct Federal Benefits
Eligible nonprofits receive the federal tax credit as a direct payment from the U.S. Treasury, making clean energy more affordable than ever.
Simplifies the Entire Process
Our platform tracks expenses, documents, and compliance so every project stays audit-ready and on track from day one.
Builds a National Coalition
MOVE connects philanthropies, engineers, EPCs, and community groups to build resilient microgrids and clean-energy hubs across the country.
Philanthropic Catalysis in Action
See how modest philanthropic contributions unlock substantial community energy infrastructure
| Total Project Cost | Your 10% Gift | Additional Investment Unlocked |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $20,000 | $180,000 |
| $400,000 | $40,000 | $360,000 |
| $800,000 | $80,000 | $720,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 | $1,350,0000 |
A philanthropic contribution of $150,000 unlocks $1,350,000 in additional project investment. Scaled nationally, this becomes a multiplier for climate action, energy democratization and local economic development.
The Ripple Effect of a Single Investment
Your $1,250,000 Safe Harbor gift jump-starts a $15,625,000 solar resilience project, unlocking incentives, stabilizing financing, and giving the nonprofit time to secure the rest.
How it works
Safe Harbor unlocks $6.25M in federal incentives, stabilizing the project and giving the nonprofit the time it needs to raise the remaining $8M (about 52% of total costs). This early boost sets off a chain reaction of measurable benefits.
250
jobs created
$1.3M
first-year community savings
52
projects reserved
$190.9M
community value over 20 years
A Community Energy Hub That Worked When It Mattered
When Hurricane Francine hit in 2024, 9 solar-powered resilience hubs across New Orleans opened within hours—providing power, cooling, charging, medical support, and hot meals while the grid stayed dark.
Born from the devastation of Hurricane Ida’s 10-day blackout in 2021, Together New Orleans (TNO) transformed churches and community centers into energy independence hubs equipped with solar panels and battery storage. When disaster strikes, these facilities become lifelines.
The results speak for themselves: 13+ operational hubs serving thousands during emergencies, with 85–100 planned statewide. This isn’t theory—it’s proven infrastructure that saves lives.
Our Leadership Team
Lane Sharman
President, Open Doors Management, BWX INC
Lane Sharman began in software engineering and systems programming before leading California’s first independent water credit exchange, establishing Solarpack’s California subsidiary, and overseeing utility solar projects. He has planned residential and commercial water and power systems and founded the Solana Energy Alliance, San Diego’s first Community Choice Aggregation. Lane’s expertise spans technical, financial, and operational areas, ensuring projects are compliant, audit-ready, and aligned with community and institutional goals.
LinkedIn Profile
JOSE TORRE-BUENO, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Center for Community Energy
Jose Torre-Bueno is a green technology scientist and advocate with 16 years of experience creating cost-effective renewable energy solutions and promoting sustainable community programs. He has deep expertise in solar energy, EV charging, battery technology, utility rate analysis, and energy demand modeling. Actively supporting distributed energy systems and Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs), he works with regulators, government officials, and community leaders. Known for leading scalable energy programs, Dr. Torre-Bueno bridges policy, finance, and operations to expand clean energy access and resilience across U.S. communities.
LinkedIn Profile
Susan Wayo
Director of Operations, Center for Community Energy
Susan Wayo has over 20 years of experience helping companies define business models, build brands, evaluate technologies, and grow capabilities. She has worked across industries from startups to global corporations, delivering competitive products and measurable value. Susan holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education (North Central College) and a Master’s in Opera Performance (University of Cincinnati) and also pursued doctoral studies, computer science, and an MBA before moving to California in 2000.
LinkedIn Profile
Stuart Smits
Lawyer, Community and Financial Advisor
Stuart L. Smits is a veteran California attorney, licensed since 1975 and based in Sacramento, specializing in land use, zoning, and infrastructure law. He has decades of experience structuring collaborative partnerships and complex legal frameworks for sustainable development, regulatory approvals, and project finance. His work enables efficient, compliant, and legally sound implementation of projects.
LinkedIn ProfileHow Your Contribution Creates Impact
You Contribute
Make a strategic gift of 10% toward a community solar project. Choose by geography, institution type (school, hospital, church), or specific project.
Safe Harbor Secured
Your contribution covers critical upfront costs—planning, engineering, permits. This expenditure before July 2026 guarantees federal tax credit eligibility.
Project Completion
With federal incentives locked in, the entity secures the remaining funding through community contributions, grants, and financing.
Federal Credit Delivered
Upon completion, the US Treasury sends a direct payment (for non-profits) or provides tax credits, covering 30-50% of total project costs.
Community Benefits
Lower energy costs, backup power during disasters, local jobs, skill development, and energy independence for decades to come.
Ripple Effects
Successful projects inspire neighboring communities. Your initial gift catalyzes a movement toward energy resilience and local economic development.
ACRES: Where Solar and Agriculture Work Together
ACRES demonstrates how solar energy and agriculture can share the same land to benefit farmers and local communities.
Clean energy development without displacing agriculture
New income opportunities for farmers and rural communities
A scalable model for equitable, community-benefiting solar
Make Your Contribution Count
Join us in building a resilient, sustainable energy future for communities across America.