solar powered churches
Credit: Defotoberg/BigStock Photo ID: 50809370

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.

three perched  kookaburras on a branch.

Birds don’t always match their chromosomes, study finds

New research shows that sex reversal — where a bird’s physical traits don’t match its genetic sex — occurs more often in wild Australian birds than scientists expected.

Phie Jacobs reports for Science.

Keep reading...Show less
Geothermal power graphic illustration
Credit: VectorMine/ BigStock Photo ID: 349381177

Colorado town bets on geothermal to power local business growth

Hayden, Colorado, a small former coal town, is building a geothermal heating and cooling network for its new business park, aiming to attract companies while cutting energy costs.

Phil McKenna and Jake Bolster report for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
Man installing solar panels on house roof.
Credit: Photo by Bill Mead on Unsplash

Ohio homeowners team up to cut costs on rooftop solar

A group of Columbus residents is lowering the cost and hassle of going solar by banding together to buy panels in bulk through a cooperative.

Claire Brown reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
Water pollution from mine tailings contamination.
Credit: Bora030/BigStock Photo ID: 107969429

A Chinese lawyer takes on mining giants abroad

When a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia spilled toxic waste into rivers and farms, veteran lawyer Jingjing Zhang stepped in to help communities fight back, part of her global campaign to hold Chinese companies accountable.

Katie Surma reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
A closeup of fly larvae.

Insect farms turn food waste into animal feed, raising hopes for greener protein

A French startup is breeding billions of black soldier fly larvae to turn food waste into protein for fish and livestock feed, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on soy and forage fish.

Nicolás Rivero reports for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
Rows of solar panels with green grass behind them.

Clean energy shift offers a path to climate action and democratic renewal

A fast-moving global transition to solar and wind energy may not only curb emissions but also reshape political and economic power, says climate author Bill McKibben.

David Goodman reports for VTDigger.

Keep reading...Show less
Man on roof installing rooftop solar.

Koch-funded campaign ramps up fight against Vermont’s clean energy laws

A national conservative group backed by oil money is spending heavily to weaken Vermont’s climate policies, challenging the state’s efforts to curb fossil fuel use.

Austyn Gaffney reports for Grist in partnership with VTDigger.

Keep reading...Show less
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.