Georgia Congregations Move Forward With Solar, Despite IRA Funding Rollback

Sep 15

Decatur, Ga — Despite recent clawbacks to federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) solar financing, nonprofit Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) is still committed to finding ways to make solar feasible for faith communities like Peachtree Hills Seventh Day Adventist of Newnan and Brookhaven Christian Church. Thanks to $15,000 zero-percent interest solar loans, both congregations have been able to move forward in recent weeks with installing solar on their churches.

Peachtree Hills Seventh Day Adventist worked with Sunpath Solar to install a massive, 192 kW system. The loan represents roughly 4 percent of the total cost of the system. The system is expected to generate nearly 75 percent of the congregation’s annual energy needs, saving the faith community over $40,000 annually in utility costs. Over the system’s lifetime, it will prevent the release of more than 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of 9.2 million miles driven by gasoline-engine cars. To date, this is the largest solar installation made possible through GIPL’s Solar-Wise program

Equally impressive—Brookhaven Christian Church worked with Alternative Energy Southeast, Inc. to install a 24.75 kW system. The loan from GIPL represents 26 percent of the total cost of the system. The system is expected to generate 35 percent of the congregation’s annual energy needs, saving the faith community over $4,500 annually in utility costs. Over the system’s lifetime, it will prevent the release of nearly 600 tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of over 1.3 million miles driven by gasoline-engine cars.

“Helping congregations finance and install solar on their campuses is vital to curbing climate change and advancing energy independence across Georgia,” said Hannah Shultz, GIPL’s Program Director. “When congregations go solar, they become powerful examples for their communities and show what is possible when people of faith protect our Common Home.”

"We have wanted to install solar since learning about the opportunities available for churches in the Sunday paper, and the GIPL loan helped get us financially to the finish line," said Rev. Beth Wendl, Senior Minister of Brookhaven Christian Church. "We felt it made sense for us to do as a congregation as a long-term investment, but also it was important as a way to do our part to reduce our energy dependence. We're excited to see this vision become reality."

“Making use of solar technology, for us, is consistent with our desire to be faithful stewards of this earth,” said Pastor Denton Grady of Peachtree Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newnan. “We are encouraged by others in the sisterhood of churches that similarly feel that making use of clean energy is an act of worship that will serve to maintain a healthy future for all of God’s Creation. Our thanks to Georgia Interfaith Power and Light for facilitating this purchase.”

GIPL’s solar loan fund has been around for over 15 years. The fund continues to grow thanks to the support of generous donors, foundations, and partnership agreements with trusted solar installers.

In addition to helping congregations find funding for solar installations, GIPL’s Solar-Wise program offers low-cost solar assessments to congregations, along with expert assessment reviews and assistance in soliciting proposals and selecting from vetted solar installers. Learn more at gipl.org/solar.

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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.