Solomon's United Church of Christ celebrates new 12 kW solar array, projected to save $68,700 over 20 years.
New Franklin, Pennsylvania – December 9 — Solomon's United Church of Christ (UCC) held a solar energy celebration featuring a new 12 kW solar array with 30 panels. The system generates 100% of the church's electricity needs while reducing monthly energy bills by 27%. Over 20 years, the installation is projected to save $68,700 and prevent 549,500 lbs of CO2 emissions.
The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks from Pastor Julia Brown, GreenBrilliance (the installer), and RE-volv (the financing organization). Educational booths informed the public about solar options.
"If we're spending less on operating costs, we will have more money to direct toward all of our missions," said Pastor Brown. She praised the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credit and RE-volv's support for nonprofits and houses of worship.
Through RE-volv's zero-down financing and the Federal solar tax credit available to nonprofits via Direct Pay, the church achieved substantial savings. These funds will expand the Power Packs program — providing weekend meals to food-insecure children — and increase support for Action Centered Toward Sharing (ACTS), which assists the Salvation Army, Franklin County Homeless Shelter, Women in Need shelter, The Gleaning Project, Little Daisy's Closet, and Fruit Belt Farmworker Christian Ministry.
"Solar projects at houses of worship are creating ongoing positive community impact," said Andreas Karelas, Executive Director of RE-volv.
Research from Lawrence Berkeley Lab demonstrates non-residential solar installations can inspire up to 80 homes in surrounding communities to adopt solar within five years.