NC Catholics Caring for our Common Home
Solar and Energy Efficiency Installations
Faith and the True Cost of Electricity
Reducing electricity use is both good stewardship and sound economics. When a parish or household lowers its annual power bill by about $500, the savings go beyond the budget. Economists estimate that each ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released costs society about $250 in damages to health, crops, and infrastructure. Avoiding those emissions provides an added social benefit of roughly $350—often helping those least able to bear the burdens of pollution and climate change.
Scripture reminds us that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Pope Francis teaches in Laudato Si’ (§48) that environmental and social degradation are deeply connected. Saving energy, then, is not only about efficiency—it is about solidarity and care for creation.
Pastors can lead by example. The EPA’s Energy Star for Congregations Toolkit and Portfolio Manager help parishes assess energy use, set goals, and save costs for ministry and outreach. Parishioners can use Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick resources for similar steps at home.
As St. John Paul II wrote, “Respect for life and for the dignity of the human person also extends to the rest of creation.” Every kilowatt saved becomes both a prayer of gratitude and a gift to the common good.
Solar Tax Credit Deadlines
For projects in the works or starting soon, you may still be eligible for tax credits on solar panel installations.
July, 4 2026 - Projects started before this date will have 4 years to complete building and installation and still qualify for the Tax Credit.
December 31, 2027 - any project started before July 4, 2026 must be complete and online by December 31, 2027 to qualify for the Solar Tax Credit.
Energy Audit Resources
Save energy, save money and help save God's Creation by having an Energy Audit at your Parish and/or School.
DIY Options
https://www.interfaithpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Energy-Audit-KSIPL.pdf
Free Support
Duke Energy Business Energy Advisor and Dominion Energy Save Energy
Interfaith Power & Light offers more detailed energy analysis. To get on the waiting list go to https://ncipl.org/request-energy-savings-analysis/
Parish Inspiration
St. Andrew the Apostle in Apex, NC converted all of it's lighting to LED in 2018. The benefits realized were:
- Payback was 9 months. Most lighting replacements are paid for in less than a year.
- Reduced operating expenses $17,540/year.
- Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 46 tons.
- Offset future climate impact by $7,786/year, using $205/ton valuation
Contact
If you are interested in exploring solar, contact any of the following individuals. They will be happy to help point you to resources to benefit from the savings already being realized by other parishes.
Bob Weickert, St. Thomas More, Chapel Hill
bob weickert@mindspring.comPat and Paul Kelly, St. Francis of Assisi, Raleigh
mpmkelly@hotmail.com