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A newly installed rooftop solar array at Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church served as the focus of a local tour bringing together federal, nonprofit, and community leaders to highlight the benefits of clean energy in Berks County.
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan joined church leadership, residents, and representatives from PennEnvironment for the event, which showcased the church’s transition to solar power.
The system, installed in July 2025 with the help of Paradise Energy and activated in September, has already reduced the church’s electric costs significantly. According to organizers, utility bills during sunnier months have dropped to about one-quarter of previous levels, with further savings expected in the coming year.
Church leaders said those savings will allow more funding to be directed toward community and mission-based efforts.
“We’re thrilled to see more houses of worship using the power of the sun to electrify their congregations,” said Flora Cardoni, deputy director for PennEnvironment. “Plentiful sunlight shines down everyday, more Pennsylvanian houses of worship, businesses, and residents just need to tap in.”
The project is also expected to benefit from federal clean energy tax credits, which could return roughly 40% of installation costs. However, those incentives for nonprofits are currently set to expire in December.
“As energy costs continue to rise, clean energy projects like solar can provide relief. But for many Pennsylvanians, the cost to install these projects in their homes, businesses, and places of worship is an obstacle,” Houlahan said. “I support reinstating federal clean energy tax credits and rebates, so that more communities can benefit from renewable energy as Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church has.”
In addition to financial savings, church officials said the solar array aligns with their broader mission by reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.
“Our solar project reflects our calling to faithful stewardship—caring for God’s creation while investing in a more sustainable future for our community,” said Pastor Zach, lead pastor of the church. “Through this work, we live out our core values and into God’s mission, by turning hope into action for generations to come.”
Organizers noted that houses of worship are often well-suited for solar installations, as panels can generate energy throughout the week even when buildings are not in constant use. Excess energy can also be fed back into the grid.
Pennsylvania currently ranks 26th in the nation for solar energy production. Event organizers said they hope projects like the one in Mohnton will encourage more congregations and organizations to adopt renewable energy and help move the state toward greater solar adoption.
PennEnvironment said it plans to continue hosting similar events across Pennsylvania to promote clean energy investment among nonprofits, businesses, and residents.
Berks Weekly is an independent, locally owned digital newsroom covering the City of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania, with timely, straightforward reporting.
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