According to Pastor Bill Utke of Desert Garden United Church of Christ in Arizona, faith and sustainability go hand in hand. The church’s recent transition to solar energy is a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship, financial savings, and community leadership in the clean energy movement.
The church’s solar energy system, consisting of 114 panels with financing from Re-Volv, is expected to save at least $300 per month on electricity costs. Additionally, Pastor Bill is hopeful about receiving a federal reimbursement covering 30% of the project’s cost, with a possible 10% bonus for being in proximity to economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. These incentives were made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, which expanded clean energy tax credits to include nonprofits.
For the congregation, however, the decision to go solar wasn’t just about economics—it was deeply rooted in faith. “Our commitment as Christians is to care for God’s creation,” Pastor Bill shared. “And it saved us money.”
The path to solar energy has been long but intentional. In 2014, following a sabbatical studying solar energy in Hawai’i, Pastor Bill and his spouse installed a 10-panel photovoltaic system on their Milwaukee home, benefiting from state and federal incentives. When they later moved to Arizona, they prioritized purchasing a home with 44 solar panels. Now, the church itself has embraced the clean energy transition, driven by a mission to care for both the planet and their finances.
While the financial benefits and environmental impact are clear, the transition hasn’t been without hurdles. The church initiated the solar project 18 months before it could be fully activated due to regulatory and utility company requirements. This delay led to concerns among church leaders about the project’s progress, but persistence paid off. With the system now operational, the congregation is eager to contribute to Arizona’s clean energy future.
For those contemplating the switch to clean energy, Pastor Bill offers practical advice:
Desert Garden UCC’s transition to solar energy is about more than cost savings—it’s about living out their values. By investing in renewable energy, the church is setting an example for other faith communities and demonstrating how sustainability and spirituality can work together to create a brighter future for all.
Their journey highlights an important truth: clean energy is not just a technical or financial decision but a moral and communal one. As they move forward, Desert Garden UCC remains excited to be part of America’s clean energy future—creating jobs, reducing costs, and caring for “God’s good creation.”
