Durham Church Leads by Example with Solar Power Installation

Epworth United Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolina, has become a beacon of clean energy leadership through its recent solar installation project. Motivated by values rooted in environmental stewardship, the church installed 219 solar panels across six rooftops, a move designed to generate about 75% of its energy needs. This step is not just a financial or environmental decision—it’s a deeply spiritual one, reflecting the church’s commitment to care for creation.

The initiative was led by Epworth’s Creation Care Committee, formed in 2022. What began with small efforts like composting and energy audits evolved into a bold move to solar energy. The project cost $63,000, made possible through a combination of Duke Energy rebates and a direct payment from the IRS under the Inflation Reduction Act. These new federal incentives have opened the door for tax-exempt organizations, including churches, to invest in clean energy for the first time.

Through net metering, Epworth not only benefits financially but also supports the community’s power grid by feeding in excess energy. Within the first two years of operation, the system has already produced more than 216 megawatt hours of electricity, avoiding an estimated 168 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Epworth’s congregation has embraced the project, and many members are now exploring solar options for their own homes. The church shares updates via weekly bulletins and public displays, encouraging wider adoption and awareness.

As part of the Clean Energy Generation, Epworth United Methodist Church serves as a model for how faith communities can align operational choices with spiritual commitments. Their journey offers a replicable path for other congregations to follow—one that blends financial wisdom, ecological responsibility, and religious purpose.

For more details, refer to the original article on Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.