A First-of-Its-Kind Project in Philly

For 17 years, Solar States has installed solar on schools, nonprofits, and houses of worship across Philadelphia. We’ve partnered with congregations like Second Baptist Church of Germantown to cut energy costs and embrace sustainability. But until now, we had never seen a model like the one taking shape at One Hope Community Church in Hunting Park.

On September 26, 2025, One Hope and the Hunting Park Community Solar Initiative (HPCSI) celebrated the completion of a 27.2 kW rooftop array. It took four years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration. The payoff: a system that not only eliminates the church’s electric bill, but also funds annual energy-burden relief grants for neighbors.

How the Model Works

One Hope leases its roof to HPCSI, which owns the system. The panels produce about 12,000 kWh per year — enough to cover the church’s electric load. Any surplus generation, along with revenue from Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) — tradable certificates for producing clean electricity — flows back to HPCSI.

Instead of navigating complex utility billing, HPCSI distributes the value as five annual $600 grants — four to low-income Hunting Park households and one to a local nonprofit. The Hunting Park Neighborhood Advisory Center, which already helps residents apply for energy assistance, will oversee distribution through a neighborhood lottery.

“It’s giving away $3,000 a year to the community, all powered by the sun,” said Allen Drew, HPCSI Director and local pastor.

Why This Model Is Different

Across the U.S., most community solar projects rely on utility programs that allow multiple households to share credits from a single array. But in Pennsylvania, that path remains limited.

HPCSI’s approach — sometimes called “synthetic community solar” — works around that barrier. Instead of bill credits, the solar value shows up in direct financial relief for families. It’s a way to ensure neighbors benefit from renewable energy even when policy hasn’t caught up.

“This is an innovative way for solar to provide benefits to the community,” said Julian Burnett, Solar States’ community engagement manager. “It shows that even with hurdles, local groups can design solutions that work.”

Benefits for All Parties

For the Church: One Hope’s electric bill is now zero, freeing up ministry dollars and protecting against rate hikes. PECO’s residential rates have jumped from 13.6¢/kWh in 2020 to 20.1¢ in 2025 — nearly a 50% increase in just five years.

For Families & Nonprofits: In Hunting Park, some households spend 30–50% of their income on energy bills. A $600 grant doesn’t solve the problem entirely, but it provides breathing room — whether to catch up on a balance, cover groceries, or avoid hard tradeoffs between essentials.

For Workforce Trainees: HPCSI has already trained two cohorts of solar students. During the One Hope installation, graduates gained hands-on experience. Solar States runs similar NABCEP-aligned programs, preparing Philadelphians for long-term careers in clean energy.

For Donors & Supporters: The array’s $75,000 upfront cost was raised through donations from faith groups like First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) and dozens of individuals. Unlike abstract climate pledges, supporters can point to neighbors receiving tangible relief every year.

The Bigger Picture: A Replicable Path

What makes this model remarkable is that it works on multiple levels at once:

• A congregation slashing its energy costs.
  
• Families receiving direct financial relief.
  
• Local residents gaining pathways into solar careers.
  
• A grassroots coalition proving what’s possible in Philadelphia. 

“This provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn about solar and benefit from solar,” said Burnett. “Hopefully it spreads across the city — and maybe the whole state.”

Conclusion
One Hope’s story proves that solar can be more than panels and kilowatts. It can be a tool for justice, sustainability, and resilience.

• A church that redirects money from utilities to ministry.
  
• Families who get relief from crushing energy burdens.
  
• A workforce pipeline that builds clean energy careers in North Philly.
  

This isn’t just another solar project. It’s a new path forward – one where solar power serves people first!

Read WHYY’s coverage on this model