Solar-Wise

GIPL is committed to advancing Georgia’s clean energy economy. Expanding access to solar energy is central to this work. GIPL helps faith communities and religious schools explore solar as a viable energy option to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. Faith communities that install solar become models of energy independence for their neighborhoods and embody a commitment to being better stewards of Sacred Earth

Rooftop solar is one of the high-impact solutions identified by Drawdown Georgia. In addition to reducing a congregation's carbon impact, solar energy displaces fossil fuels, improves air quality, and generates many environmental and public health benefits. By producing their own energy, congregations reduce their reliance on the grid and hedge against rising energy rates.

GIPL actively pursues energy policies at the state and federal levels that ensure all communities have equal access to renewable energy choices such as solar power. The Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in August 2022, is the most comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation in history. Through the IRA, nonprofits and houses of worship have easier access to clean energy funds and tax credits through a program called "direct pay." The "direct pay" option means that non-taxable entities can benefit from the 30 percent tax credit for solar panels, wind, batteries, and other climate solutions.

Program Includes: Professional Solar Assessment. Personal assessment review and debriefing in consultation with GIPL staff. Professional proposals from vetted solar installers. 1:1 consultations with GIPL staff and solar installers throughout the process. Assistance in finding funding and grants for solar installations and consultations about solar financing.