In honor of the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) hosted a press conference on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesboro.

The event celebrated the successful completion of the church’s new solar project, made possible by the IRA, which highlights the law’s impact on sustainable energy initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income (LMI) communities.

The project, which consists of 64 solar panels installed last month by Sunpath Solar, was made possible by Capital Good Fund’s Georgia BRIGHT Solar Communities program, which uses IRA direct payments to reduce energy costs for low-income households and nonprofits. The church’s 31-kW system, shaped like a cross, is estimated to save the parish $62,000 over the next 25 years.

These savings allow the church to invest more in its mission and ministry in the community.

A community-oriented event

Several key figures spoke at the press conference. Father Charles Todd, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, opened the event with a welcome and blessing, expressing his excitement about the solar project and the significant long-term savings it will bring to the church.

Andrew Young II, outreach coordinator in Senator Raphael Warnock’s office, praised the IRA’s wise use of federal funds and emphasized its role in improving local communities.

“Federal funding is a huge benefit and helps improve the community,” Young said.

Dr. Lissa Leege, professor of biology at Georgia Southern University and leader of the Green Team at Trinity Episcopal, emphasized the church’s commitment to environmental protection.

“Caring for the Earth is a sacred duty,” said Dr. Leege. “God calls us to care for the world and promote biodiversity.”

Building a sustainable future

Alicia Brown, director of Georgia BRIGHT, looked back on the development 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 communities to join the Georgia BRIGHT pilot program, 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 are proud to be serving those in need, but also to be providing training in the justice system,” said Tralee-Morris. “These solar panels will reduce energy costs tremendously.”

Beth Remmes, Coastal Outreach and Resiliency Coordinator at GIPL, concluded the event by emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the solar project and expressing her joy at seeing faith communities come together to advocate for energy independence and sustainability.

“The money saved through this project can now be reinvested in the church’s services, thereby increasing its impact in the community,” said Remmes.

Addressing the energy burden in Georgia

Georgia is among the top five energy-stressed states in the country. Despite the falling cost of clean energy, solar options remain unaffordable for many LMI communities. From 2010 to 2021, average energy bills in Georgia were 14% higher than the national average.

With electricity and gas prices expected to rise by nearly $48 over the next two years, initiatives like Georgia BRIGHT and GIPL are critical to promoting energy independence and resilience.

For more information about Georgia BRIGHT and to participate in its solar programs, visit GeorgiaBright.com.