NEWS RELEASEFebruary 1, 2022Contact: Susan Stephenson, executive director (510) 484-7198 (mobile)Gerald Bernstein, report author (510)444-4891 or jerry@interfaithpowerandlight.org
California Houses of Worship Lead the Nation in Adoption of Rooftop SolarSlowdown expected if utilities reduce the incentives for onsite solar energy
Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) has reported its third survey of congregations in the United States with solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Congregations from all faith traditions have dramatically increased their investments in solar PV systems for both environmental and financial benefits. View the solar directory and a map of solar congregations here:https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/congregational-solar/IPL’s survey identified:
- 1,250 congregations with PV systems in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
- The 480 congregations added nationwide in the past two years exceeds the 400 additions identified in the 2019 biennial survey.
- California is home to 305 of these congregations, almost twice the number identified in 2019.
- On a population (per capita) basis, California has twice the national average of congregations with on-site solar PV systems.
Rooftop systems vary from a 3.5 kW system at the Felton, CA Bible Church (smaller than the average residential system) to a 1000 kW system at Destiny Christian Church in Rocklin, CA. The largest system is a 2000 kW ground-mount array at St. Anthony’s Retreat Center and Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center in Three Rivers, just outside Sequoia National Park.
As this enormous variation in installations suggests, not all congregations are equal in size and financial capability—just as there are lower and higher income households, there are financially strong and financially-challenged congregations. However, when seeking to install a solar PV system, all houses of worship already have one challenge —as non-profits, they cannot directly access the federal tax credit which is available to homeowners and businesses. Thus, they either pay full-price for an installation, or seek lease-financing with its attendant interest costs. The new Net Energy Metering (NEM) plan proposed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) would add monthly fixed charges to these already elevated-cost systems, which from California Interfaith Power and Light’s (CA-IPL) experience, would eliminate the economic benefit of a PV installation for many congregations.
“States’ solar and utility policies really make a difference,” said IPL President Rev. Susan Hendershot. “If utilities greatly reduce payments to solar customers for the clean energy they deliver to the grid, or charge them more to deliver this clean energy, as they are currently proposing in California and has happened in other states, we could see solar becoming unaffordable for houses of worship and other nonprofits.”
Pastor John Current of Hope United Methodist Church in South San Francisco explained the inspiration for many houses of worship: “We have installed a pollution free solar powered energy system because we are aware that God’s creation itself is under attack. Air, water, trees… fruit and flower, birds and beast; adults, children and those generations yet to be born are all under the shadows of environmental degradation. We can’t just talk about the goodness of God’s work. We are called to do the work of defending God’s creation in all that we do. Our leaders should empower every community across California to turn their rooftops into clean power plants, to fulfill our duty as stewards of Creation.”
But finances are a consideration. According to Shirley Pajanor, Chief Financial Officer at the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, “Our solar generating program (in the Diocese of San Diego) shows the power of doing well by doing good. In his encyclical, Laudato SI, Pope Francis reminds us of our responsibility to care for the Earth as our ‘Common Home.’ Here in San Diego, in addition to our constant efforts to recycle and transition to sustainably sourced products, we’ve installed over 50 solar power plants at a number of schools, parishes, and our Diocesan Pastoral Center.” she continues “That’s good for the environment, but it’s also significantly reduced what we pay for electricity.”
According to Bishop E.L. Jackson of Grace Tabernacle Community Church, San Francisco “Every rooftop has the potential to redeem humanity’s debt to Creation and lift up those in our community who need a hand.”
CIPL urges Gov. Newsom and the California PUC not to increase the cost of rooftop solar, which could derail this expanding segment of solar users.
*****To set up an interview with any of the leaders quoted above, please email susan@interfaithpowerandlight.orgIf your house of worship is interested in going solar, check out CIPLs Energy Efficiency and Solar Resource Guide. More questions? Email us at allis@interfaithpower.org.
Illuminate 2021 with Solar! Revised Guide and Webinar Show the Way
There has never been a better time to go solar at your house of worship! And the February 23 Solar Webinar and our revised Solar and Energy Efficiency Resource Guide for Congregations are excellent tools for your journey.
Thanks to the support of CollectiveSun, our update guide for solar and energy efficiency is available. Full of information about energy audits, stories of solar congregations, financing options, and referrals, this is a not-to-be-missed resource. Sign up for your copy today.
The benefits of solar energy for your congregation are multiple: saving money on electric bills means more money for outreach and meeting needs in your community; solar energy (especially with battery backup) puts you one step closer to being a “resiliency hub” in California’s extreme heat periods and power shut-offs; and renewable energy demonstrates your commitment to caring for all of Creation – and encourages your members to go solar as well. And now, with the decreased cost of solar energy, and financing to take advantage of the generous federal non-profit tax credit, solar is a real option for all congregations.
Learn how to make solar a reality for house of worship: watch our February 23 Solar Webinar and sign up for your Solar and Energy Efficiency Guide today!
CIPL’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Strengthened, Inspired, and Motivated
CIPL’s 20 Anniversary Celebration highlighted the people and congregations that have made a difference in the faith/ecology arena for two decades. And, though celebrated via Zoom, a great time was had by all, motivating us for the crucial work ahead in the next decade.
In a reception ahead of the main event, 2020 honorees, speakers, Steering Committee members and sponsors introduced themselves and their affiliation. Some spoke of their current work and what motivated them. The excitement of being together provided a supportive framework for people to share stories, laughter, and hopes for the future.
CIPL Steering Committee member Rabbi Marvin Goodman provided an overview of CIPL’s three-year strategic plan, which emphasizes environmental justice, quality of engagement with the faith community, and even greater advocacy for local and state climate and energy legislation. All of this work will be underpinned by a commitment to climate and racial justice, and empowering and training new voices for the climate movement. The new mission statement was highlighted – “Our mission is to inspire and mobilize individuals and communities of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change.”
The main event was truly inspiring. It started with Thrive Choir’s “Remember Me” – a call for a return to Earth that bore all of Creation and that is a living and healing environment. Rev. Susan Hendershot, president of Interfaith Power & Light thanked all the people and houses of worship that have engaged in efforts for a just transition to clean energy and protection of public health, especially those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The Rev. Sally Bingham, founder and past president of IPL and CIPL narrated the “Honor Roll of Congregations and Leaders”, a list of hundreds active in solar energy, energy efficiency, education, advocacy, water stewardship and climate exemplars.
Former Senator Fran Pavley gave an engaging, informative, and sometimes humorous presentation on climate and energy legislation in the last 15 years. She recalled the passage of Assembly Bill 32, in which she was the main author, and CIPL’s role in obtaining one of the last votes needed for passage. Senator Pavley mentioned that she had good training as an 8th grade teacher to manage the challenges and personalities of the California legislature, to which a response in the chatbox declared, “Amen, Fran, working with 8th graders makes you a superhero!”
Many other “superheroes” were present in the event, including those who received the 2020 awards. The award for Environmental Justice went to Bishop Ernest Jackson and Grace Tabernacle Community Church of San Francisco. From installing solar on their roof – commemorated by a Juneteenth event – to hosting a gathering of the Association of Black Cardiologists, to undertaking efforts aimed at carbon neutrality, this church understands the intimate interconnection of environmental injustice, health, and poverty. Bishop Jackson challenges everyone to take action in his statement, “From God’s creations in the North Pole to the fires here in the Bay Area, our message is to ask ‘what can we do, what can each congregation do, what can each member do?’
The award for Green Building went to Church of the Presentation in Stockton. Their impressive 535-panel solar system provides almost all of the church’s needs, which frees up much-needed funds for their many community ministries. Presentation Church understands the very real effects of regional climate change and pollution on communities in the Central Valley and has been very involved in environmental justice efforts for a decade. They are a true embodiment of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’ – Care for Our Common Home.
The award for Education & Advocacy went to Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles. Greatly inspired and motived by a visit from The Rev. Sally Bingham in 2001, their Green Team has educated its members and the wider community on climate change and working solutions in a variety of ways. This includes hosting speakers like Bill McKibben, Tom Steyer, and Dr. James Hansen. They have been at the forefront of climate and energy policy advocacy for two decades, and have been faithful (pun intended) in attending CIPL’s Sacramento Advocacy days. The Green Team even has a “Rapid Responders List” for timely letter-writing and telephoning for time-sensitive campaigns – a great idea for all congregations!
After a wonderful time of encouragement, support and real camaraderie among all attendants, the final speaker, Rev. Gerald Durley, brought down the house. Rev. Durley marched with and supported Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in 2011; is a national leading voice for civil rights and climate justice; and is the national board chair of Interfaith Power & Light. Rev. Durley gave an enthusiastic, stirring and inspiring overview of his work with Dr. King and civil rights in the 1960’s, great leaders John Lewis and C.T. Vivian, and his entry into climate justice with the realization that all major justice issues are related. As he spoke reassuring words of love and conviction, the chatbox filled up with enthusiastic, heart-felt praise: Amen! Hallelujah! Yes! Be ye not weary! TALK ABOUT IT! Yes we will because YES WE CAN! and With folks like you, Rev. Durley, WE WILL TURN THIS THING AROUND!
With hearts, minds, and spirits alive, the Unity Inspiration Ensemble reinforced the message of “never give up” with their rendition of “Pressing My Way” by John P. Kee.
Truly, everyone at this 20th celebration – and all who work for a healthier and more just world – have been and remain gifts for our world, exactly what is needed now and in the New Year and new decade.
Experience the magic of this celebration – links:
—20th Celebration recording (Rev. Durley’s remarks start at 44:49)
–Thrive Choir’s “Remember Me”
–Unity Inspiration Ensemble “Pressing My Way”
COVID-19 and California Wildfires – Resources
Historically, the faith community has been one religious and social constant in times of upheaval and uncertainty. COVID-19 has restricted our daily routine in terms of activities, employment, and education of students; many of us are concerned about the health of loved ones and ourselves; and finances and social isolation are too-real burdens. In addition, California wildfires are raging, affecting the air that many of us breathe, and causing concern for the health and well-being of first responders.
The faith community again is here to stand strong in the face of this shared threat, to pray alongside with, to offer practical action opportunities and to provide information on difficult situations faced by our brothers and sisters. In addition to the resources below, if you know of others that may be useful, please send them to CIPL staff.
Wildfires Resources:
Check the air quality where you live; protect yourself and others:
California Air Quality – airnow.gov
World Air Quality Index- https://aqicn.org/map/california/
Breezometer – https://breezometer.com/air-quality-map/
Location of wildfires in California:
Cal Fire – https://www.fire.ca.gov/
Inciweb – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Capradio has a good overview on the latest fire, air quality, evacuations, and official information – https://www.capradio.org/articles/2020/09/21/latest-updates-on-northern-california-wildfires/
COVID-19 Resources:
Health Information and Updates:
From the Centers for Disease Control
From the California Department of Public Health
Excellent information from the American Psychological Association
On-going Prayer Services and Words of Comfort: Many houses of worship and organizations are offering online prayers and live-streaming services. The plus side of this is you can attend anywhere – check our CIPL member congregation list to find one and, of course, ascertain with your own congregation.
- Grace Episcopal Cathedral, San Francisco – beautiful Sunday morning services and more
- IKAR, Los Angeles – Virtual Prayer and Social Calendar
- Islamic Shura Council of Southern California – words of strength, resources
- Vedanta Society of Southern California – services, classes, teachings
Policy Action: We need to make sure that legislators are poised and will act quickly on pollution reduction and our climate crisis and, indeed, to include appropriate responses now. Cutting air pollution saves lives and can improve respiratory health especially for vulnerable people. Here are some climate issues that you can take action on now and stay aware of:
- Pledge to vote with climate and creation in mind – Faith Climate Voter
- Support “Carbon Covenant” – IPL’s Global Forest Climate Protection
- Protect public health and the right to vote amidst the COVID-19 situation. Tell your Senator to support the Vote by Mail legislation.
Social Resources: Many of our brothers and sisters have been hard-hit by this pandemic with job loss; financial insecurity; and health challenges. The resources below were provided by the office Senator Henry Stern:
- If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 you may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).
- If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness, you may qualify for Disability Insurance.
- Those who have lost a job or have had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19 may be able to partially recover their wages by filing an unemployment insurance claim.
- If a worker or a family member is sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine, workers may use accrued paid sick leave in accordance with the law.
- If workers are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- PG&E Customers – read the latest on non-suspension of services and more
A celebratory interfaith prayer service accompanied the 2015 Cool Climate Awards
at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland
2020 Action – Off to a running start
CIPL has started off 2020 with a climate bang! The 2020s is our best – and final – decade to avert the worst of climate change effects, and the faith community is responding in kind.
CIPL staff presented to several congregations in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, San Mateo, Watts, and Menlo Park on a variety of issues, including climate justice, transportation electrification, climate activism, carbon neutrality for houses of worship, and building faith advocacy.
In early February, CIPL hosted a group of Middlebury College students from Vermont for an “immersion week” demonstrating the faith/ecology nexus. Many of the students had taken a course from Bill McKibben, father of 350.org, who teaches at Middlebury. They came with a trained perspective of conservation and a systemic way of looking at issues.
The “Green Justice” event on February 5 was a highlight, exemplifying the power of community while delving deeply into the many justice issues related to climate change and sustainability. Held at Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church in Watts, folks from the faith, justice, green career, and education sectors stressed an over-arching concern – truly sustainable communities that include affordable housing. Two themes were repeated. One, systems management – that construction, housing, safety and sustainability don’t exist in a vacuum, but when change is proposed, it must be part of a larger discussion of how the greater “eco-system” will be affected. Two, there was great interest in community investment strategies – how residents of Watts can take ownership of employment, housing, and sustainability strategies so that improvements for the community do not mean money taken out or displacement of members.
Strong work on policy has already taken place in 2020. Some 2019 priority legislation that did not pass in 2019 have received even greater support for their success in 2020. These include AB 345 (Muratsuchi), that calls for the Department of Conservation to study and implement a health and safety buffer zone between oil and gas extraction sites and homes, schools, churches and other such areas. In a concerted effort to get AB 345 passed in the Assembly by January 31, CIPL sent out an alert that yielded more than 100 letters of support. AB 345 did pass the Assembly and is now making its way through the Senate, and statewide workshops on this issue will include attendees from the faith community.
Another set of legislation from 2019 is SB 54 and AB 1080, which will have California reduce plastic use by 75% by 2030. Again, CIPL and supporters are already attending in-district legislative meetings, signing petitions, and holding planning meetings aimed at the passage of these bills.
In addition to the above policy, there has been strong action on a number of initiatives in the last three months: banning natural gas in San Jose; Caltrans oversight; environmental justice action at the port of Stockton; fare-free transit for youth; and the push for greater public transit in heavily-traveled areas of the Golden State.
If you and/your house of worship is involved in a climate issue in your community, or you want to be more involved, contact Liore or Allis for more information.
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