Connect with your Clean Energy Communities Coordinator
Contact a Southern Tier Clean Energy Communities coordinator for support with projects in your area.
IRA Funding Still Available for Municipal Clean Energy Projects
The 2021 Inflation Reduction Act made federal tax credits available to municipal governments and non-profit organizations for eligible clean energy and energy efficiency projects. As a result of recent legislation, these incentives will be discontinued after 2025.
Municipalities and Non-Profit Organizations that have completed or will complete qualifying projects in 2025 can still access this funding.
Qualifying projects include:
Rooftop or Ground-mounted Solar Panels
Ground-Source Heat Pumps (Air Source Heat Pumps are ineligible)
New or Used Battery Electric Vehicles
IRA funding for these projects can be up to 30% of the total project cost (up to $7500 for EVs).
Your friendly neighborhood CEC Coordinator can help you get started, but please be advised that you will need to consult with a tax professional to apply. For more information about how to get started, and if your project qualifies, contact Chris Skawski at cjs359@cornell.edu
Help Us Understand Your Community’s Solar Needs
The Southern Tier Clean Energy Communities team is working to better support municipalities in navigating solar projects in the area.
Through our friends at the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, we can offer free technical assistance throughout the region. Additionally, our partners at Cornell Cooperative Extension's AgSolar Team can provide information and resources for solar and storage projects in your area.
This short survey will help us identify gaps and needs in solar and battery storage support for planning and zoning boards, municipal officials, and all Southern Tier residents.
Clean Energy Project Resources for Municipalities
Municipalities can pursue energy efficiency and clean energy projects that will reduce energy use and costs as well as create a healthier and more sustainable environment for their residents and businesses.
Our friends at Smart Energy Choices of the Southern Tier have created this guide to programs that exist to help municipalities take on clean energy projects and a list of additional resources.
Municipalities are welcome to reach out to Southern Tier Regional Clean Energy Communities program and coordinators for support with projects. Contact Christopher Skawski at cjs359@cornell.edu for more information and support with these resources.