Solar company plans installations for non-profits through grant program

This is a photo of the 10.5-kilowatt solar photovoltaic installation on the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless...

It seems ironic that some of the biggest supporters of the green tech movement, non-profit groups, might not have the moo-lah to invest in some of the green tech to help them adjust their carbon footprint. A little help is on the way, at least if you're out in Colorado.

A solar company out in Boulder, Namaste Solar Electric, has set up a program to donate 1 percent of its revenue annually toward "grants" in solar photovoltaic installations for non-profit organizations. Registered 501(c)(3) non-profits in the Denver/Boulder area are eligible.

There are two different kinds of grants. The first is a matching grant structure. The non-profit can pay part of the amount through fund-raisers, angel donors. Namaste Solar will calculate the full retail amount of the installation, deduct the utility rebate amount, and pay 50 percent toward the remaining amount. It is also offering a full grant under which it will donate 100 percent of the cost of the installation, after the utility rebate amount is deducted from the full retail value.

The grant deadlines will be in January and June of each year; the first deadline is June 27, 2008.

Anyone else got a program like this?