By Patrick Cavanaugh | Uprise Solar and Roofing | October 27, 2026
Solar for DC churches can help lower electricity bills and leave more money for the people and programs congregations support. It can also open the door for church members to explore savings at home.
On October 27, Maris Burns and I hosted a solar lunch and learn with local pastors, faith leaders, and church members. We explained no-cost solar for qualifying Washington, DC properties and answered questions about Pepco bills, roof conditions, and panel ownership.
Our request to everyone who joined was simple: help us share this information with neighbors who could benefit.
You do not need to become a solar expert. A conversation, a newsletter announcement, or an introduction can help someone take the first step.
Why solar for DC churches matters now
Higher electricity costs affect both church budgets and household finances. As a result, money that could support building repairs or community programs goes toward utility bills.
The DC Public Service Commission reported that the average monthly residential generation charge was about $35 in 2020. By January 2026, it had reached approximately $80. That means the electricity supply portion of the bill more than doubled.
Solar can help because the panels generate electricity the building would otherwise buy from Pepco. However, each property’s savings depend on its roof, sunlight, electricity use, and system design.
How no-cost solar for DC churches works
During the webinar, we explained Uprise’s no-cost power purchase agreement, also called a PPA. For qualifying DC properties, the agreement we discussed includes:
- No upfront cost for the solar installation.
- Solar electricity priced at $0 per kilowatt-hour.
- No monthly solar payment.
- Uprise ownership and maintenance of the panels during the 20-year term.
DC’s energy policies help make this possible. The District requires electricity suppliers to meet solar energy requirements. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, or SRECs, document solar generation and help suppliers meet those requirements.
Under this arrangement, Uprise receives the SREC revenue, which helps pay for the system. Meanwhile, the property owner keeps the electricity bill savings the panels generate. The DC Department of Energy and Environment explains how SRECs work.
Before signing, we review the agreement, ownership terms, and any separate roof or electrical work the property needs. Members living in Maryland or Virginia need a separate review because their solar options and incentives differ.
What Mount Olive Baptist Church saved
Maris shared the example of Mount Olive Baptist Church in DC’s NoMA neighborhood. Uprise installed 98 solar panels at the church.
The design projected enough production to cover approximately 103% of the church’s annual electricity needs. In the webinar example, its roughly $1,000 monthly electric bill fell to around $30 in remaining charges. We discussed annual savings of approximately $12,000.
For a church, those savings can help pay for repairs, support programs, or meet other needs within the congregation.
Each building is different. Therefore, we calculate your church’s projected savings using its own roof and electricity bills. Learn more about our commercial solar installation services.
How solar lowers your Pepco bill
Your church or home stays connected to Pepco after solar installation. Net metering allows an approved system to send extra electricity to the grid and receive bill credits.
Here is how that works:
- During sunny hours, the panels supply electricity to the building.
- When production exceeds the building’s needs, extra electricity flows to the grid and earns credits.
- At night or during low production, the building draws electricity from Pepco. Available credits help offset eligible charges.
Unused credits can carry forward under the applicable net-metering rules. However, fixed customer charges and other applicable charges remain. You also pay for electricity that solar production or available credits do not offset.
In other words, no monthly solar payment does not mean every property will have a $0 Pepco bill.
Getting started with solar for DC churches
Start with a recent Pepco bill and your property address. From there, Uprise can help your church leadership understand the options.
- Review electricity use. We look at the building’s usage history to estimate an appropriate system size.
- Check the roof. We review sunlight, available space, roof condition, and any work needed before installation.
- Explain the proposal. Your leadership team can review projected savings, agreement terms, and any separate costs before deciding.
If the project moves forward, Uprise handles design, permits, and utility applications. Timing varies with the building and required approvals.
Help your congregation explore solar
Even if your church’s roof does not qualify, members of your congregation may have homes that do.
Faith leaders can help because people often feel more comfortable asking questions through someone they trust. For example, a member may wonder who pays for the panels or what happens when they sell their home.
You can help them get answers by taking a few simple steps:
- Share this article in your newsletter, bulletin, or congregation’s group chat.
- Invite interested homeowners to have Uprise review their roof and electric bill.
- Arrange a solar conversation for your church’s leadership or members.
- Encourage members with solar to share their experiences and questions.
For a church newsletter, you could share this invitation:
“Concerned about rising electric bills? Uprise Solar and Roofing can help DC homeowners explore whether they qualify for no-cost solar. Contact maris.burns@uprisesolar.com to ask questions and have your roof and electric bill reviewed. A review does not commit you to a project.”
How referrals can support your church
Our solar referral program also creates an opportunity to support your congregation. Through the church referral arrangement discussed in the webinar, Uprise provides a $300 donation for each qualifying successful referral.
As a result, an introduction can help a member explore lower electricity costs while supporting your church’s work.
Before sharing the program, ask our team how to designate your church, which referrals qualify, and when donations are paid. We can explain those details so everyone knows what to expect.
Talk with Uprise about your church or home
Thank you to the pastors, faith leaders, and church members who joined our webinar. Your voice can help reach neighbors who have questions about solar or have never considered it.
To learn more about solar for DC churches or help members explore their home’s options, contact Maris Burns at maris.burns@uprisesolar.com. You can also email info@uprisesolar.com or contact Uprise online.
We will review the property, explain the choices, and help you decide whether solar makes sense. Share this article with your congregation or connect us with the person who oversees your church’s building.
