As Clean Energy Incentives Face Rollback, Dunwoody United Methodist Church Invests in Solar to Safeguard Future

Jun 5

Dunwoody, Ga — With federal clean energy tax credits under threat, Dunwoody United Methodist Church is demonstrating what climate resilience can look like. Through Georgia Interfaith Power & Light’s (GIPL) Solar-Wise program, the congregation recently installed a 152-kilowatt solar energy system—a bold investment in sustainability, stewardship, and long-term savings.

“This is more than a solar project—it’s a symbol of hope and resilience,” said Hannah Shultz, GIPL’s Program Director. “Through GIPL’s Solar-Wise program, we’ve help Dunwoody UMC assess their energy use, explore financing options, and take advantage of programs like Georgia BRIGHT. They’re now leading by example in showing how congregations can act faithfully in the face of climate and economic uncertainty.”

The church is the third congregation in Georgia to enter into a Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA) with Georgia BRIGHT, a program of the national nonprofit Capital Good Fund. Georgia BRIGHT allows nonprofits and homeowners to access solar without upfront costs by leveraging federal tax credits, grants, and bulk purchasing.

The new solar array, installed by Sunpath Solar, is expected to generate 22% of the church’s annual energy needs, saving the church approximately $14,300 each year on electricity costs. Over the system’s lifetime, it will prevent the release of more than 3,179 tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of taking 700 cars off the road or driving over 7.2 million fewer miles.

"As people of faith, we are called to care for our neighbors and the Earth we all share,” said Rev. Dr. Phil Schroeder, Senior Pastor of Dunwoody UMC. “This project reflects our commitment to be good stewards of God’s Creation and of our congregation’s resources. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved and look forward to the fruit of this work.”

To celebrate the project’s completion, Dunwoody UMC will host a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, June 10, at 1:30 p.m. Community members, local leaders, and media are invited to attend this public event, which will include remarks from church leadership, GIPL, and Sunpath Solar.

For GIPL, Dunwoody UMC’s project is part of a growing statewide movement. Through Solar-Wise, GIPL has helped over 50 congregations explore solar energy as part of a holistic sustainability plan. That work is especially critical now, as lawmakers debate rolling back key tax credits that have made projects like this possible.

"Solar projects like this one are a win-win for congregations. They cut costs, reduce emissions, and show what's possible when communities act with courage and conviction," said Alicia Brown, Director of Georgia BRIGHT.

“Dunwoody UMC has demonstrated what it means to live their values,” said Seth Gunning, CEO of Sunpath Solar. “We’re proud to have partnered on this meaningful installation.”

To learn more about GIPL’s Solar-Wise program and how your congregation can go solar, visit gipl.org/solar or email info@gipl.org.

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Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that inspires and equips communities of faith to organize, implement practical climate solutions, and advocate across Georgia on issues of climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Born out of the national Interfaith Power and Light movement, GIPL envisions a Georgia where all people can flourish in a healthy environment, a stable climate, and resilient communities.