In honor of the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) hosted a press conference at Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesboro on Friday, August 16, 2024.
The event celebrated the successful completion of the church’s new solar project, made possible by the IRA. This project underscores the act's impact on sustainable energy initiatives, particularly in low-and-moderate-income (LMI) communities.
The project, consisting of 64 solar panels installed last month by Sunpath Solar, was facilitated through the Capital Good Fund’s Georgia BRIGHT Solar Communities program. This program leverages direct pay benefits from the IRA to reduce energy costs for low-income households and nonprofits. The church’s 31 kW system, designed in the shape of a cross, is projected to save the parish an estimated $62,000 over the next 25 years.
These savings will allow the church to invest more in its mission and ministry within the community.
A Community-Focused Event
The press conference featured remarks from several key figures. Father Charles Todd, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, opened the event with a welcome and blessing. He expressed his excitement over the solar project and the significant long-term savings it will provide for the church.
Andrew Young II, Outreach Coordinator for Senator Raphael Warnock’s office, celebrated the wise use of federal funding through the IRA, emphasizing its role in improving local communities.
"Federal funds are a great asset, and they help make the community better," Young stated.
Dr. Lissa Leege, Professor of Biology at Georgia Southern University and Green Team Leader at Trinity Episcopal, highlighted the church’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
"Caring for the earth is a sacred duty," Dr. Leege said. "God asks us to care for the world and promote biodiversity."
Building a Sustainable Future
Alicia Brown, Director of Georgia BRIGHT, reflected on the journey of the solar initiative, noting that it began as a dream. She emphasized the ongoing work needed to expand access to solar energy and encouraged other congregations to join the Georgia BRIGHT pilot program, which is available through October 2024.
Aminata Traore-Morris of Be Smart Home Solutions, whose team installed the solar panels, spoke about the importance of federal support for underserved communities.
"We pride ourselves on working for the less fortunate, but also on providing justice training," Tralee-Morris said. "These solar panels will decrease energy bills tremendously."
Beth Remmes, Coastal Outreach and Resiliency Coordinator for GIPL, concluded the event by highlighting the broader impact of the solar project. She expressed her joy in seeing faith communities come together to embrace energy independence and sustainability.
"The money saved from this project can now be reinvested into the church's ministries, furthering their impact in the community," Remmes said.
Addressing Energy Burden in Georgia
Georgia is one of the top five states in the country with the highest energy burden. Despite the decreasing costs of clean energy, solar options remain out of reach for many LMI communities. From 2010 to 2021, average energy bills in Georgia were 14% higher than the national average.
With upcoming utility-rate hikes expected to increase bills by nearly $48 over the next two years, initiatives like Georgia BRIGHT and GIPL's efforts are crucial in promoting energy independence and resilience.
For more information on Georgia BRIGHT and how to participate in their solar programs, visit their website here.
