[We] see ourselves as caretakers and stewards of the earth

Rabbi Nathan Martin serves at Congregation Beth Israel in Media, Delaware County. His community installed solar panels because it “really aligned with a larger purpose and values of wanting to see ourselves as caretakers and stewards of the earth”. 

“There was tremendous backing in the community – a lot of support for it,” he said. “[The solar panels] are really doing the job of tikkun olam – doing the repair work to heal the brokenness in our planetary systems.”

Current federal clean energy tax incentives are allowing houses of worship like Congregation Beth Israel to support the mission of caring for our planet. “The beauty of what’s happening now after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is that for nonprofits and faith communities like ours, it’s actually even easier to be able to access resources and to install clean energy projects in your building,” said Rabbi Martin. “This is a really terrific opportunity to get a 30% rebate on your installation costs which really creates a strong financial incentive as well as aligning with many of the moral values that you find in a lot of faith communities.” 

If you’re involved in a house of worship or non-profit that wants to incorporate clean energy additions, check out our helpful overview and step-by-step guide.