Congregational Solar Matters Both in and Beyond Faith Communities
Congregations of all faith traditions in the United States are embracing solar PV systems in disproportionally large numbers. A new Congregational Solar Census by Interfaith Power and Light (IPL), a non-profit that engages faith communities in climate action, found that 2,545 faith communities across the United States have collectively installed 170 MW of solar capacity.
Federated Community Church in Flagstaff, AZ, has cut its power bill 96 percent with a new solar array on their historic building. Church leaders realized that by installing the solar panels, they could save approximately $350,000 over the next 40 years and be energy independent.
St. John’s Lutheran church in Stamford, Connecticut had a vision of generating enough clean energy to provide for their own needs, while doing their part to aid the conservation of our sacred sarth. The congregation estimates they will save $600,000 over the next 25 years.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa installed solar and heat pumps. “The desire to become Carbon Neutral/Net Zero resonated with our congregation,” says Jim Fritz, a member of the congregation who led the project, “We wanted to be a leader in our community for moving the needle to mitigate climate change, and we wanted to produce all that we consume. In the end, it was about making a positive difference for the next generations.”
The impact of IPL’s solar Census and the Cool Congregations program as a whole is twofold – it demonstrates the impact of collective action and encourages local congregations to be a part of transitioning the grid away from fossil fuels.
The power of collective action of congregations should not be underestimated. Motivating and allowing this collective action of congregations across the country is the increasing awareness of the rapidly increasing threats of climate change. Faith communities have stepped in to address the urgency of climate action, releasing religious statements on caring for the Earth.
“In Micah 6:8, God calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. Becoming a carbon-neutral facility is one way that Good Shepherd is living out this calling,” says Good Shepherd Lutheran Pastor Amy Zalk Larson. “We are walking more gently upon the earth to be a part of God’s justice and kindness for all of creation.”
This moral standpoint has existed, but what makes this moment particularly poised for large-scale solar installation is both the policy incentives and the availability of low-cost financing. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has provided a 30% tax rebate for solar installations with the option of Direct Pay for tax-exempt entities, like congregations, to receive a check equivalent to the 30% tax rebate. Other financing options in the private sector like Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), leasing panels, or grants to self-finance are becoming more common and more readily available. Not idly letting this powerful moment pass, faith communities are rising to the occasion by installing solar and serving as proof of the power of collective action.
This blog post was originally published for Interfaith Power & Light on 11/14/24. Read the Full Blog Here.
About the Authors:
Abby Berman is the 2024 Congregational Solar Data Intern for IPL Cool Congregations.
Sarah Paulos is the Community Engagement and Programs Director for Interfaith Power & Light.
Additional Resources:
Apply or Nominate: American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023