Shining a light on rooftop solar panels

Solar power is on the rise in Illinois as households and community organizations harness the energy coming from above. Across the state, churches and other houses of worship are installing rooftop solar and making the transition clean energy to reduce their electric bills, improve their energy use practices, and protect God’s creation.

The Church of the Good Shepherd UCC in Carbondale, IL is among those houses of worship furthering their environmental stewardship. Their rooftop solar panels started operating in March 2018, the first solar system on a church in southern Illinois.

Installing solar panels is a financial and moral decision for the congregation. “Since one of the covenants of [the Church of the Good Shepherd] is whole earth, environmentally conscious and friendly, we believe that a solar energy system is an environmental investment,” explains Dale Ritzel, the treasurer, green team member, and building and grounds committee member at the congregation.

Rooftop solar is saving the congregation money and reducing their carbon emissions

With solar panels, the congregation limits their reliance on energy produced by emissions heavy fossil fuels. According to the estimates when the solar panels were installed, over the panels’ 25-year lifetime, the solar system will reduce their carbon dioxide emission by 207 tons. This is equivalent to driving Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica around 165 times.

Not only is the Church of the Good Shepherd reducing their carbon emissions with solar, but they are significantly saving on their electric bills. Once their solar panels went on-line in 2018, they have saved an average of 83% on their electricity bills annually. In 2019, their electric bill was less than 50 dollars, saving the church 93% on costs in that year alone.

Embracing efficient energy use

Solar panels are not the only energy changes the church has been making. The congregation also recognizes that by decreasing overall consumption of energy they can further slash electric bills while limiting fossil fuel use. New windows, LED lights, electric heat pumps, and thermostats have all been installed in Church of the Good Shepherd to make sure they use their energy wisely. These energy efficiency practices cut down on their excess electricity use.

Inspiring other houses of worship to install rooftop solar

By  sharing information about the funding opportunities for these projects more churches and houses of worship can tap into the power of the sun themselves. “Since our solar energy system was installed, we have seen other churches in Carbondale installing systems,” Ritzel responded. “It is wonderful that [Church of the Good Shepherd] is continuing to fulfill its role as a whole earth church.”

Ritzel encourages houses of worship that are considering the solar transition to “talk with other churches who have gone solar.” Seeing the success of institutions like the Church of the Good Shepherd can energize a congregation.

Houses of worship have more incentives to go solar now than ever before. Prior to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, places of worship and other nonprofits were unable to directly take advantage of federal tax credits to support the installation of solar panels. Now, 30% (or more) of the cost of a solar project and installation can be covered by direct pay tax credits from the federal government through 2032. These tax incentives and electricity bill reductions can make solar an attractive option.

Rooftop solar panels are an environmentally friendly energy solution for churches and other houses of worship. With benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act and reduced electricity bills, houses of worship can let the light in and start powering their operations with the power from above.