How the Inflation Reduction Act is helping churches go solar

Churches, synagogues, and mosques nationwide are embracing solar power, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act's incentives and financial support.

Jeff St. John reports for Canary Media.


In short:

  • The Inflation Reduction Act provides clean energy grants and tax credits, enabling places of worship to install solar panels and save on electricity bills.
  • Churches like Watts-Willowbrook Church of Christ in Compton are using these savings to support community programs, such as food ministries and energy costs.
  • Solar installations in religious institutions are spreading to underserved communities, promoting environmental justice and economic savings.

Key quote:

“Installing solar panels gives them an opportunity for funding to use in other areas of ministries.”

— Linda Cleveland, Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee

Why this matters:

This move isn't just about cutting down on those hefty energy bills—it's a green leap towards sustainability, showing congregations how faith and eco-consciousness can coexist. By tapping into the cost, climate, and reliability perks of solar energy, religious institutions are setting an example that combines moral responsibility with financial savvy. Read more: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.

Emporer penguin chicks following an adult penguin in a snowy landscape

Emperor penguin chicks drown as melting sea ice pushes species toward extinction

Record low Antarctic sea ice is causing mass chick deaths and accelerating the decline of emperor penguins, now officially listed as endangered.

Offshore wind turbines with a sailboat in the foreground

California’s ambitious floating offshore wind plan faces engineering hurdles and local opposition

California plans to transform Humboldt Bay into a hub for floating offshore wind power to help reach its 100% clean energy goal by 2045.

A heat image of a person silhouetted against a blue background

The year so far: hottest and driest in US history

After a season-defying March heat wave pushed things into overdrive, it’s an open question — and a crucial one — how soon more generous moisture might arrive.

Wind turbines in a row against a blue sky

There’s hope for the offshore wind industry — yes, really

Trump’s court losses give the wind industry a chance to get back on stable footing.

A large crane digging earth

Federal delay of silica dust rule leaves coal miners at risk of black lung

Federal regulators have indefinitely postponed a rule designed to limit coal miners’ exposure to harmful silica dust, citing ongoing litigation.

Hand holding handmade sign that reads "THE CLIMATE IS CHANGING SO WHY ISN'T THE SYSTEM?"

US EPA chief celebrates endangerment finding repeal with climate skeptics

Casting doubt on the determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare, Lee Zeldin said “We’re not accepting all of the narrative of the left without any question or pushback.”

Two men attempting to salvage items inundated by floodwaters amidst submerged vehicles.

A more troubling picture of sea-level rise is coming into view

Scientists have uncovered a "blind spot" in the research on rising seas, revealing that tens of millions of people thought safe from coastal flooding are at risk of inundation. Across much of the world, sea levels are higher than previously assumed and land is sinking faster.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.