Through the installation of a rooftop solar array, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is not only caring for the planet but also strengthening its ability to serve its community with compassion, resilience, and purpose. Established in 1870, this Milwaukee-based parish has long been rooted in a mission of radical acceptance and service beyond its walls. Guided by the Episcopal Church’s commitment to Creation Care — the spiritual call to protect and sustain God’s creation — St. Luke’s embraced rooftop solar as a way to live out their values through action.
In partnership with key stakeholders, the congregation pursued rooftop solar energy to reduce its reliance on nonrenewable sources, cut long-term energy costs, and gain more autonomy from the local energy grid. This solar project complements St. Luke’s broader sustainability efforts, including their Giving Garden, which donates fresh, organic produce to the Bay View Community Center, and their Butterfly Garden, which supports native pollinator habitat. These community-centered initiatives especially benefit underserved members of the local community and are grounded in the church’s mission to serve and uplift all people.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Clean Energy Upgrades
Solar Energy: To expand St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s role as an environmental steward within the Milwaukee community, the church worked with Full Spectrum Solar to install a 16.4-kilowatt rooftop solar system. The energy these solar panels collect from the sun now powers the church’s lighting system and other electrical needs, all while reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Solar Funding Sources
Through a combination of grant funding, state programs, and the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Elective Pay program, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church received a total of $55,866 in funding for its solar project. Many of these funding opportunities are available to other Wisconsin-based houses of worship.
Solar for Good: The Solar for Good program provides solar panels and canopy grants to nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin.
Through generous funding from the Couillard Solar Foundation, the Solar for Good Program helps Wisconsin’s nonprofits, like St. Luke’s, achieve their renewable energy goals. Solar for Good donated half of the panels needed for the project, valued at $2,453 in funding. To learn more about the Solar for Good program, reach out to solarforgood@renewwisconsin.org.
Elective Pay: Through the passage of IRA, tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and local governments, are eligible to receive a one-time payment for certain clean energy projects after they are completed. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church anticipates a 30% tax credit for installing its solar system, providing $16,881 in funding through elective pay. To learn more about Elective Pay, reach out to info@renewwisconsin.org.
Focus on Energy: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church received $932 through the Focus on Energy incentives for installing solar. Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for various clean energy and building efficiency projects.
Anonymous Donations: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church received several generous anonymous parishioner donations for the solar project valued at $26,600.
Faith in Place: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church received $8,000 through the Faith in Place Green Energy Assistance Fund. This fund, along with many other Faith in Place programs, provides financial and technical assistance for Wisconsin’s houses of worship to install solar panels and/or geothermal heating and cooling technology at their buildings.
Diocese Commission on Creation Care: This organization fosters sustainability in Wisconsin’s Episcopal parishes by providing resources that support environmentally-conscious worship, education, buildings and grounds, advocacy, and accountability. St. Luke’s received a $1,000 grant to help reduce the carbon footprint of their building.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Power Playbook
For houses of worship interested in pursuing a similar clean energy project, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church offers some powerful advice:
- Build a Strong, Diverse Team – Assemble a committed team of people with varied expertise — finance, engineering, procurement, and more — to lead and manage the project
- Commit to Thoughtful Planning – Empower your team to thoroughly explore options, evaluate proposals, and make informed recommendations
- Create a Clear, Compelling Proposal – A well-developed plan outlining the project’s costs and benefits makes it easier to earn the support and approval of your community
- Check Financial Readiness – Make sure your house of worship or organization has a strong financial footing before moving forward with a renewable energy investment
- Maximize Grant Opportunities – Proactively research and apply for as many grants as possible to help fund the project
- Balance Patience with Persistence – Expect delays, especially those outside your control, but don’t hesitate to follow up and apply pressure when needed to keep momentum