From Stewardship to Solar: Churches Embrace Creation Care and Cost Savings
Faith communities across the U.S. are embracing solar power to care for God’s creation and reduce energy costs. Federated Community Church in Flagstaff has cut its energy bills by 96%, while Lutheran congregations nationwide are becoming leaders in climate justice through solar adoption. Supported by incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act, congregations are proving that collective faith can inspire real change. Explore how solar energy helps churches live out stewardship and care for future generations.
Faith communities across the United States are answering the call to care for God’s creation in a powerful way: by embracing solar energy. A recent Congregational Solar Census by Interfaith Power and Light (IPL), a national nonprofit mobilizing faith-based climate action, reveals that 2,545 congregations have collectively installed 170 MW of solar power, cutting costs and emissions alike.
Locally, Federated Community Church in Flagstaff, Arizona, exemplifies this stewardship. By installing solar panels on their historic building, they’ve reduced their power bill by 96% and will save approximately $350,000 over the next 40 years. Beyond the financial impact, this move reflects their deep commitment to environmental care and energy independence.
Similar stories are emerging nationwide. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stamford, Connecticut, will save an estimated $600,000 over 25 years—significant relief, especially where energy costs are among the nation’s highest. Meanwhile, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa, has combined solar installations with heat pumps to become carbon neutral. As Pastor Amy Zalk Larson shared, “We are walking more gently upon the earth to be part of God’s justice and kindness for all of creation.”
These efforts highlight the Lutheran call to live out Micah 6:8: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Solar adoption is both practical and prophetic—reducing energy costs while advocating for environmental justice and the well-being of future generations.
This movement is gaining momentum thanks to policy incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides a 30% Direct Pay tax rebate for tax-exempt entities such as congregations. Coupled with creative financing options like grants, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements, congregations have more tools than ever to act.
The ripple effect of faith communities going solar is significant. Known as “solar seeding,” solar installations on houses of worship often inspire broader adoption in surrounding neighborhoods, amplifying their impact.
For congregations looking to explore solar energy, IPL’s Cool Congregations program provides resources, guidance, and recognition for those leading the way. To learn more and explore IPL’s interactive solar directory, visit Interfaith Power and Light’s website.
By stepping boldly into solar energy, congregations embody a collective faith in action. They offer a tangible witness to the power of stewardship, inspiring communities to care for the Earth as an act of love, justice, and hope.