Trinity St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, originally established in 1849, commissions a solar array on its historic structure to cut costs and lead Bay Area houses of worship in the clean energy transition.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 19, 2026 – Today, Trinity St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, in partnership with RE-volv and California Interfaith Power & Light (CIPL), celebrated the commissioning of a 19.74 kW solar array, installed by SunSource. The project marks a major milestone for renewable energy in the local faith community, proving that even historic landmarks built in the 19th century can lead the clean energy transition.
Powered by 47 solar panels, the church will save more than $261,000 in electricity costs over the system’s lifetime. These savings will be reinvested directly into social justice initiatives, including food insecurity programs and neighborhood cleanups, while avoiding 931,000 lbs of carbon emissions over the system’s lifetime.
“Our church has been a constant in this neighborhood through every chapter of San Francisco’s history. Deciding to go solar ensures our doors remain open and our mission remains sustainable for the next century,” said Mike Chambers, Senior Warden of Trinity St. Peter’s. “Freeing up these funds means we can focus less on overhead and more on our neighbors. We are proud to prove that a historic faith community can lead the way toward a more equitable world.”
“Faith communities have a moral calling to lead on climate solutions,” added Susan Stephenson, Executive Director of CIPL. “Trinity St. Peter’s is so inspiring because it’s a century-old sacred space that is manifesting what our clean energy future can be.”
The solar celebration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks from key stakeholders, including Lavanya Deepak (SF Environment Department), the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham (founder of Interfaith Power and Light), and Andreas Karelas (RE-volv). The Wednesday following the event, the church is leading an Earth Day cleanup to showcase and invite community members to be involved in their community outreach programs.
RE-volv provided the church with a zero-money-down loan, allowing the congregation to start saving on their energy bills from day one.
“Trinity St. Peter’s has been a pillar of the San Francisco community for over 175 years. When a community leader like Trinity St. Peter’s demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through adopting clean energy, that speaks volumes,” said Andreas Karelas, Executive Director of RE-volv. “It’s an example of true community leadership needed to solve the climate crisis.”
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About Trinity St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Trinity St. Peter’s Episcopal Church represents the 2012 union of two historic San Francisco congregations. Trinity Episcopal Church, established in 1849, is the oldest Episcopal church on the Pacific Coast, while St. Peter’s, founded in 1867, stands as the city's fifth-oldest Episcopal congregation. Today, the united community worships in its historic 1893 landmark building – a site that continues its legacy as the "Mother Church of the Pacific Coast." The church delivers outsized community impact through its feeding programs, environmental cleanups, and its role as a premier venue for local concerts and civic gatherings. Learn more at trinity-stpeters.org.
About RE-volv
RE-volv is an equity-informed, clean energy access organization that helps nonprofits in underinvested communities across the country go solar, while raising awareness about equitable climate solutions and training the next generation of clean energy leaders. To date, RE-volv has developed and financed over 135 nonprofit solar projects, saving them more than $45 million on electricity bills. Learn more at re-volv.org.
About California Interfaith Power & Light
California Interfaith Power & Light inspires and mobilizes individuals and communities of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change. By becoming a CIPL member congregation and signing a congregational covenant, any faith community can join this inter-religious network without paying dues or obligations. Member congregations commit to education about climate change, promoting sustainability, reducing pollution, and advocating for climate justice. CIPL provides resources, connections, and volunteer opportunities to help congregations advance climate justice efforts. For more information on how to support California Interfaith Power & Light, visit their website interfaithpower.org.
About SunSource
SunSource is a solar installer and design firm that partners with churches, nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and other community leaders to build energy independence through reliable, sustainable solar solutions. By focusing on "Energy Sovereignty," the company helps organizations break free from utility dependence and lower operational costs, allowing them to reinvest savings directly back into their people and purpose. SunSource takes a mission-first approach to every project, providing customized solar and battery designs that strengthen a community’s resilience and long-term capacity to serve. Learn more at sunsourceus.com.
