Solar Rebates for Churches & Religious Organizations
How can churches and religious organizations switch to renewable solar energy and save on utility costs?
At Clearway Community Solar, we believe supporting renewable energy should be practical and economical for everyone, with every rise of the sun. Learn how you can do your part to build a clean energy future.
Get a QuoteUnderstanding Solar Rebates For Churches and Other Religious Organizations
Solar energy can be a compelling way for churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations to lower or offset utility costs while also reducing their carbon footprint. The problem? Religious organizations, like other nonprofits are not eligible for the federal investment tax credit (ITC) because as nonprofits, these organizations do not pay federal income tax. Furthermore, many churches do not qualify for solar rebates through their states and local municipalities due to their nonprofit organization status.
The Pros and Cons of Solar Power for Churches
The cost of investing in rooftop solar panels or solar shingles is often more appealing to homeowners and for-profit businesses because they can benefit from the rooftop solar tax incentives in order to help offset the cost of rooftop solar installation. On the other hand, although they may be financially sound, churches and other houses of worship are nonprofits that operate for the benefit of their members and faith communities. Even though sustainability and lowering energy bills through the use of a solar power system may benefit the organization, the upfront costs without promise of the federal tax credit can be intimidating. While some may consider financing options, many churches would need to look to their congregation in order to fundraise.
Why Renewable Energy?
Solar energy systems are becoming more compelling to religious organizations however, due to the amount of time they are open and running. Aside from the cost of their electricity bills, houses of worship can use a considerable amount of electricity. Many are looking into clean energy options that will help them lower their carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship in their communities. If a church were to spend $1,000/month on their electric bill, offsetting that level of usage through solar energy would be the equivalent of planting over 1,100 trees each year.
An Alternative to Rooftop SolarHow Community Solar can help faith-based organizations with their energy costs
How Community Solar can help faith-based organizations with their energy costs
Community Solar is an excellent solar energy option for churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations who are interested in supporting renewable solar energy, while lowering their electricity costs. Unlike rooftop solar, there is no need to install solar panels on a building structure or church property. Instead religious organizations can subscribe to their local Community Solar farm, like those offered by Clearway Community Solar. The solar farm delivers renewable solar energy to the municipal power grid rather than the property itself, ensuring that polluted power on the grid is replaced with a renewable energy source – thus, the community is benefitting from cleaner power. In return, the church will receive solar bill credits applied to their utility bills reducing utility costs. The cost of the solar bill credits themselves (you can think of them almost like a book of energy coupons that you must purchase) is charged by Clearway at a guaranteed discount every month.
Curious about how Community Solar can help your church or organization switch to solar? Reach out today.
