Solar and Energy Efficiency Installations Promote Good Stewardship of Parish Finances and Good Stewardship of Creation. Did you know that on September 1, 2022 Duke Energy Carolinas raised energy rates by 9%, and on December 1, Duke Progress raised rates by 4.6%? Solar and energy installations can help your parish avoid the increasing costs of energy. Several parishes in the Diocese of Raleigh are already benefiting from the cost savings and environmental benefits of installing solar panels.
There is now financial help for parishes to reduce fossil fuel based energy consumption costs through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). While details are evolving, for the first time nonprofits qualify for point of sales discounts which can be substantial.
30% rebate for solar installations 30% savings for solar storage 20% bonus for low income areas
1. Energy Efficiency credits for products, equipment, & materials resulting in the reduction of energy use 2. Includes heat pumps, insulation, roofing, lighting system, windows, doors, duct sealing, thermostats, heating, ventilation
1. Many sources are interest free for up to 18 months. There are reputable local solar companies worth investigating 2. While the window for Solarize the Triangle crowdsourcing through Yes Solar, closes December 31, 2022, a second opportunity is planned for mid 2023.This is incentive for parishes to begin their planning process 3. Catholic Energies – https://www.catholicenergies.org fund through Mission Energy which serves nonprofits with clean energy solutions https://www.mission.energy
1. Energy Efficiency credits for products, equipment, & materials resulting in the reduction of energy use 2. Includes heat pumps, insulation, roofing, lighting system, windows, doors, duct sealing, thermostats, heating, ventilation
9/13/22
Webinar recording and (most) of the slides
12/8/22
Briefing on the Federal Funding Resources for Nonprofits & Houses of Worship.
RecordingLinks that were shared during the briefing:
Steps to prepare:
I look forward to seeing you on future webinars and hearing about the energy work you are doing in your faith community.
What kind of world do we want to leave to our children who are now growing up?
Laudato Si
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.comDave Abell, St. Luke, Raleigh
bob weickert@mindspring.comPat and Paul Kelly, St. Francis of Assisi, Raleigh
mpmkelly@hotmail.com