Ohio EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) 

The Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) provides financial assistance to public entities for projects that protect and improve Ohio’s rivers, streams, and lakes. Traditionally, this program funds water treatment plant upgrades, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer rehabilitation, combined sewer overflow control, and stormwater improvements. 

Importantly, WPCLF also funds Green Infrastructure Components—projects that reduce energy use, cut pollution, and improve environmental outcomes. This includes the installation of solar energy systems. Check here for previous solar awards.  

WPCLF Financing Benefits 

• Below-Market Interest Loans – Direct loans for public entities, with no or very low rates for qualifying projects. 

Federal Incentives: 30% Tax Credit (Direct Pay) 

In addition to WPCLF financing, your WTP or WWTP can currently take advantage of the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar. 

• Direct Pay Option – Public entities (cities, counties, townships, utilities) can receive the credit as a cash refund, allowing entities who do not pay federal taxes to participate. 

Key Dates  

The WPCLF Program Year 2026 call for project nominations is now open. 

• September 22, 2025: Nominations must be submitted.   

The Federal Solar Tax Credit is on a stepdown schedule:  

• December 31, 2025: Systems 1.5 MW and smaller can pay ~ 5% of project costs to “Safe Harbor” before new procurement requirements take effect.  
• January 1, 2026: New procurement requirements, which restrict sourcing components from specific countries (e.g. China, Russia, North Korea), begin.  
• July 4, 2026: Projects smaller than 1.5 MW must “Safe Harbor” ~5% of project costs to remain eligible for the full 30% credit and related bonuses. Projects larger than 1.5 MW must begin construction to remain eligible for the full 30% credit and related bonuses.  
• December 31, 2027: Projects (who didn’t Safe Harbor by July 4, 2026) must be placed in service to remain eligible for the full 30% credit and related bonuses.  

Next Steps 

1. Evaluate your facility’s energy needs and solar potential. 
2. Prepare a WPCLF project nomination with solar as a Green Infrastructure Component. 
3. Reach out to Kokosing Solar with any solar evaluation assistance needed throughout the project development.  

Investing in solar through the WPCLF allows water and wastewater treatment plants to modernize infrastructure, reduce energy costs, and take advantage of historic funding opportunities—all while strengthening Ohio’s water resources.