Solar for Houses of Worship
Faith communities in the region are embracing solar power, guided by a sense of environmental duty aligned with religious values and practical benefits. The trend is turning solar panels into modern symbols of stewardship, as seen in over 1,200 solar-powered congregations and the Episcopal Church’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Why the sudden surge?
The catalyst for this shift is the Biden Administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which has significantly reduced the cost of solar installations for non-profits, including houses of worship. The Act introduces a 30% tax benefit, known as Direct (or Elective) Pay, for non-profit solar installations from now until 2032.
Further Reading – Elective Pay
- Elective Pay Overview 1-pager– from the IRS.
- Understanding Elective Pay and Transferability for Tax Credits – This IRS page explains the concept of elective pay and transferability in tax credits.
- Frequently Asked Questions on Elective Pay and Transferability of Tax Credits – A useful FAQ section from the IRS on elective pay and transferability.
- Direct Pay: How Nonprofits Can Now Benefit from Clean Energy Tax Credits – An EESI article detailing how nonprofits can benefit from direct pay provisions in clean energy tax credits.
- The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Nonprofit Organizations – An overview by Maryland Nonprofits on the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for nonprofit organizations.
3 of our projects...
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ardmore recently celebrated a significant step in environmental stewardship with the blessing and dedication of their new solar system installed by Solar States. The installation, projected to save approximately $74,000 over three decades, is not merely a financial decision but a reflection of the congregation’s deeper calling to “tend to the earth.”The installation was funded by a church endowment.
Second Baptist Church of Germantown
This episode of our Yooo Sun!!! podcast covers the project at Second Baptist Church of Germantown, involving Family Promise of Philadelphia and Solar States. The project was a supported by community donations, and reflects a broader push to use renewable energy to lower living costs and support the community, aligning with Solar States’ mission to create jobs and sustainable living wages.
Congregation Beth Israel of Media
Q&A with Jacob, Project Manager of the Beth Israel Solar Project
Q: What’s unique about the Beth Israel solar project?
A: Beth Israel established an LLC separate from the synagogue to manage the solar array, enabling it to utilize tax benefits inaccessible to the tax-exempt synagogue. The installed 29.28 kilowatt solar array, composed of commercial-size panels, has generated 34 megawatt-hours of energy in just over a year – enough to power five homes for a year or equal the environmental impact of growing 398 trees for a decade.
Q: How was the community involved?
A: Post-installation, we organized educational and celebratory community events, including a solar energy class for children at the synagogue – a truly enriching experience.
Q: What advice would you give to organizations considering solar energy?
A: Start early to maximize government incentives. Remember, solar energy is not just about cost savings; it’s about ecological responsibility and community engagement. It’s an impactful choice for faith-based organizations striving to make a difference.
Economic & Ecological Opportunity
The move to solar energy presents a significant opportunity for churches, synagogues and mosques to lead in both economic and ecological spheres. Energy bills—largely driven by fossil fuels—are often the most substantial non-staff related expense for congregations. Transitioning to solar not only promises to lower these costs, but also positions these organizations as pioneers in sustainable practices.
Houses of worship sit at the heart of many communities, especially those that have yet to benefit from the shift to clean energy. Their leadership can foster trust and inspire action within these communities. By adopting solar, they embody the stewardship of Earth.
Congregations hope their switch to solar energy will encourage their members to consider renewable energy solutions for their homes. They aim to set a precedent, foreseeing a future where energy is not only clean and sustainable but also effectively free, significantly reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
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About Solar States
Solar States is a solar installer and educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are a certified B-Corp and Best for the World Nominee in both 2018 and 2019. We can install solar on any roof – residential or commercial – in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland. If you have any questions about a transition to a sustainable energy system for your property, we can answer them.
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