news article
Creation Care Ministry weighs in on solar panels
September 20, 2024 / By Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Care / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists know that caring for God's Creation is a part of honoring God and loving our neighbors. Many want to reduce air pollution associated with heating and cooling while still generating electricity for their homes and expressed interest in shifting from coal, oil, and gas to clean solar power. Yet, to some, the cost of solar panels puts solar energy out of reach, even with the generous federal and state incentives now available.
Good news! Through community solar, the savings and improved environmental impacts of solar power are now accessible to many homeowners and renters across Upper New York, without the up-front costs of solar panels. Community solar is a group of individuals benefiting from a shared solar project.
Some of the benefits include:
- Improved environmental responsibility.
- No change in reliability.
- Many options are available; however, not all are available in all areas.
- Congregation receives a $100 donation, for each customer subscribing through the congregation.
- Guaranteed 10% savings to subscriber, visible on the bill as a credit.
- Minimum participation duration of 60 days.
- Subscriber continues to pay the utility company as usual. No extra bill to pay.
- No enrollment fee, participation cost or disenrollment fee
To learn more, click here to learn how community solar works and click here for information to help you decide if solar is good for your home.
To check for programs available in your area, click this link and then select "Get Started" and enter your information.
If you're interested in learning about the best community solar options for your area, click here.
The UNYAC Creation Justice Team urges all congregational leaders to promote this program, for the sake of the environment, future generations, and lowering their own power bills.