1. Trinity Episcopal Church signed a solar energy procurement agreement with Georgia BRIGHT.
2. Be Smart Home Solutions will install the 31-kW solar system.
3. Georgia BRIGHT program helps lower the cost of solar for low to moderate-income communities and nonprofits.
Trinity Episcopal Church in Statesboro, Georgia recently became the first faith community in the state to sign a solar energy procurement agreement (SEPA) with Georgia BRIGHT, a program aimed at helping low to moderate-income communities reduce power bills and carbon emissions. The 31-kW system will be installed by Be Smart Home Solutions, with support from the nonprofit Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL).
The church became involved in GIPL’s Solar-Wise program in 2020, exploring various solar options with the help of GIPL program staff. While many plans were initially deemed too costly, the introduction of Georgia BRIGHT provided a viable and cost-effective solution. Fr. Charles Todd, Rector at Trinity Episcopal, initially had doubts but was impressed by the potential cost savings and benefits of the program.
Georgia BRIGHT is funded by Capital Good Fund, a national nonprofit that leverages tax credits, grants, and bulk purchase discounts to make solar energy more accessible to homeowners and nonprofits. The program aims to reduce energy burdens and promote sustainability. GIPL Program Director Hannah Shultz expressed excitement over Trinity Episcopal’s adoption of solar energy, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the church’s ability to invest in community missions and ministry. Capital Good Fund founder Andy Posner highlighted the role of government initiatives in making solar energy more accessible to a wider audience.