First Congregational's Pursuit of Solar, Part 2

The First Congregational Church Green Team continues to look at going forward with Solar Panels above the garden atrium. Although the financial benefits are significant, over $1900 per year, the most important reason for moving ahead with these projects is to reduce our use of carbon fuels which are adding to the issue of global climate change. The timing is good for the solar panels due to 50% reduction in cost using three different rebates we qualify for here at FCC.  These 3 rebates are: 30% through the Inflation Reduction Act, 10% through the domestic content bonus credit, and 10% for low-income communities’ bonus credit.

Our quiet phase of fundraising to determine the feasibility of being able to fund these projects is going well, therefore, we will soon invite all of our congregation to join in with donations if desired. We have even received a couple offers from members to provide low interest loans to help with the cash flow. Cash flow is an important consideration, and

another loan will be needed for the remaining amount to pay the contractor initially. Then, as the donations, and eventually rebates come in over time the loan will be paid back.

We are looking to the Michigan Infrastructure Office Technical Assistance Center for help in applying for these rebates.  There is a lot of information online there, a checklist to get started and videos to help. An interesting requirement from our government is that in order to file for these rebates, our church will have to file a tax return, which we and many churches have never done. Another entity, Lawyers for Good Governance also offers some free

assistance in this process along with an application to fill out seeking free accounting and legal help. Our solar contractor, Absolute Solar has offered to assist and advise us in any way needed since they have seen many other nonprofits get these rebates. By all calculations we should be able to take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act rebates. Still, timing is important since there is a provision in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that would take away funding from any project started after 60 days of it’s signing. There is a slim window we are working towards, gaining the funds through fundraising, filing out application forms, and requesting a quick window from the contractor as we keep an eye on our government’s decisions around this budget reconciliation.

We have been working to keep communication open with our Green Team, Properties Team, Finance Team, our church council, and church staff. We have held meetings to inform all where we are with fundraising and what help will be needed from each team. The starter checklist from Michigan Infrastructure Office suggests key players needed on your team of people to obtain the rebates. A key piece will be the final vote from our church council on

whether or not this project is approved.