Congresswoman Lee, PennEnvironment celebrate Inflation Reduction Act anniversary with tour of solar church

Crafton Heights, PA – To mark the second anniversary of the largest-ever climate investment in U.S. history passing into law, Pittsburgh-area Congresswoman Summer Lee joined PennEnvironment and other area leaders at Crafton Heights United Presbyterian church to tour the house of worship’s rooftop solar panels.

Churches across Pennsylvania and the nation are increasingly powered by the sun, thanks in part to new clean energy incentives from the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The event at Crafton Heights United Presbyterian was also used to highlight renewable and clean energy tax incentives that are also available for residents, businesses, academic institutions and non-profit groups through the IRA. The IRA was signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022. 

“There’s never been a better time for houses of worship to use the power of the sun to electrify their congregations,” said Zachary Barber, clean air advocate for PennEnvironment. “Plentiful sunshine and generous solar incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act are here. Now congregations in Pennsylvania just need to tap into the program and take advantage of them.” 

Solar energy is abundant, efficient and increasingly affordable, and houses of worship often are great candidates for rooftop solar panels. While people may frequent these buildings less during the week, their panels will still generate power that churches can sell back to utility companies. And during prayer services and other activities offered by religious institutions, churches and other congregations can also stand to benefit from the clean power and lower utility bills.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a big deal—the largest investment in clean energy in U.S. history, with nearly $370 billion in climate spending. It’s designed to achieve a 40% emissions reduction by 2030, which is a huge step forward. And for the first time, non-profits, governments, schools, houses of worship, and other tax-exempt entities can benefit from tax credits and rebates for clean energy investments,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “Churches like Crafton Heights United Presbyterian are going green, and our neighborhoods are starting to breathe a little easier. But let’s be real—the Inflation Reduction Act is just a step, not the finish line. It shows us what’s possible when we put environmental justice front and center.”

Inspired by the Inflation Reduction Act and their calling to be stewards of creation, First U.P. Church of Crafton Heights (CHUP) installed 40 rooftop solar panels that will more than meet the congregation’s annual energy usage. The solar array, installed by local company EIS Solar, went live on April 8, 2024 and has already reduced thousands of pounds of carbon emissions.

“Our congregation at the First U.P. Church of Crafton Heights (CHUP) has long been eager to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We are committed to being good stewards of our planet by embracing renewable energy sources and hope our actions will inspire others to explore such investment,” said Pastor Dave Carver. “The Tax Credits provided for in the Inflation Reduction Act gave us the encouragement we needed.”

Pennsylvania is currently ranked 26th in the nation for solar power. Beyond the financial benefits, solar panels increase a community’s energy resilience during extreme weather events. Solar panels and batteries can be independent from the grid, meaning the lights stay on during power outages–a quality especially critical for houses of worship that provide shelter during emergencies. 

Previously, places of worship and other nonprofits were unable to directly take advantage of federal tax credits to finance the installation of solar panels. Now, federal incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act can cover 30 percent or more of the cost of going solar through a new “direct pay” credit, as detailed in a guide from the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. 

“Congresswoman Lee was a major supporter of passing the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Barber. “As we now celebrate the IRA’s second anniversary, we all get to see the fruit of her labors, and what can be accomplished with the passage of this historic law.”

Check out photos and video from the tour to see more! 

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Resources: 

• How your house of worship can go solar: New federal tax credits are helping churches, synagogues, temples, and other houses of worship go green with solar energy. 
• Clean Energy Home Toolkit: Guides & resources for weatherizing your home, cutting energy bills, buying an electric car, and information on the rebates & incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act.