As energy prices continue to rise, many houses of worship are seeking ways to manage rising costs without compromising their mission. Solar energy is a powerful solution, enabling religious organizations to lower utility costs and redirect savings into community programs, while also demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. In this article, Wilson Chang, CEO of Sunrock Distributed Generation, examines the growing momentum behind solar adoption among faith-based organizations and shares practical insights for those considering the shift to clean, renewable energy.
Houses of worship do much more than hold religious services—they are integral to the fabric of local communities. Many serve as vital centers for programs like daycare, food banks, shelters, and educational classes, offering crucial support where it’s needed most and strengthening community bonds.
However, providing these important community services requires substantial energy, which can lead to high utility bills. According to recent data, U.S. congregations spend around $1.00 per square foot annually on energy, with churches consuming approximately 4.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per square foot each year.
As the cost of grid-supplied electricity continues to climb, congregations of all faiths are turning to solar PV (photovoltaic) systems as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. According to the latest Congregational Solar Census from Interfaith Power and Light (IPL)—a nonprofit dedicated to engaging faith communities in climate action—2,545 faith communities nationwide have collectively installed 170 MW of solar capacity. These efforts have already prevented an estimated 236,000 tons of CO₂ emissions—the environmental equivalent of taking nearly 50,000 cars off the road.
Houses of worship can reinvest the money they save by installing a solar system in essential services that support their congregation, from religious programs to outreach initiatives. Additionally, by embracing solar power, they stay true to their stewardship values and also contribute to a sustainable, resilient future for their congregation and the wider community.
Keeping The Lights On
Houses of worship can take advantage of the fact that the cost to install solar has dropped by 40% over the last decade. Meanwhile, the technology—especially solar inverters, the “brain” of the system that optimizes energy production—has become more efficient. This means more power can be produced from less space and at a cheaper price, making solar energy more efficient and cost-effective than ever before.
Advancements in battery storage are further increasing solar’s appeal by providing an additional benefit: energy independence. Batteries store excess energy generated during the day, making it available for use at night or during power outages. This is especially valuable in states prone to extreme weather events that can disrupt the power grid. For houses of worship, this technology ensures they can continue to serve their communities during power outages, or even during extreme events, such as natural disasters.
Houses of worship can also generate revenue with their battery + solar systems through Virtual Power Plant (VPP) grid service programs. In these programs, local utilities pay battery owners for allowing them to access stored excess energy to support the grid during times of peak demand or to provide other essential grid services. In areas where these services are well-compensated, owning a battery can be highly profitable. It means solar doesn’t just save money, it also makes money.
Overcoming Barriers To Adoption
While the benefits of powering houses of worship with clean, renewable energy are widely recognized, many faith-based organizations encounter challenges when it comes to making the transition. One of the biggest hurdles is the high initial cost. For organizations already dedicating a significant portion of their budget to community outreach and operational needs, the upfront investment required for a solar PV system—especially with battery storage—can be a major barrier.
To overcome this challenge, the first step is to consult with a reputable local installer who can provide guidance on available incentives and financial assistance. Installers are well-versed in the various federal, state, and local programs that support nonprofit organizations, including tax credits like the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows organizations to deduct a significant percentage of their solar installation costs. Additionally, some states offer rebates, grants, or other funding options specifically designed for religious institutions, making solar
more affordable. By collaborating with a local installer and taking advantage of these resources, organizations can reduce their financial burden and make the transition to solar energy a more achievable goal.
In addition to advising on available incentives, installers can also offer guidance on alternative financing options to make solar installation more affordable. While a cash purchase may be ideal for organizations with the necessary capital, many houses of worship can benefit from options like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which require no upfront investment.
Under a PPA, a third-party owns, installs, and manages the solar system, while the energy produced is sold to the building’s occupant at a fixed rate that is lower than the cost of grid-supplied electricity. This arrangement allows the occupant to benefit from lower energy costs without any upfront investment, making the transition to solar both financially accessible and sustainable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, third-party ownership options have become a popular choice for houses of worship, underscoring the growing appeal of these models among faith-based institutions seeking an affordable way to adopt solar energy.
One such example is Palm Valley Church in Arizona, which partnered with local installer Watthub Renewables to install a 622-panel solar system on its building, a former multi-tenant retail space. Funded through a Power Purchase Agreement provided by Sunrock Distributed Generation, Palm Valley Church was able to install the system with no upfront costs. With the PPA, the church will reduce its annual energy bills by around 30%, with the potential for even greater savings as the cost of grid-supplied electricity continues to increase.
Summing Up
By embracing solar PV, houses of worship can significantly reduce their environmental impact while securing long-term financial stability. This not only helps them lower operating costs but also empowers them to better fulfill their mission and continue serving their communities for years to come. With the decreasing cost of solar technology, innovative financing options, and the growing role of energy storage, transitioning to solar is no longer a leap of faith—it’s a smart, practical decision that supports the work of houses of worship and helps ensures a brighter, more sustainable future.
For more information, visit: https://www.sunrockdg.com/.
