We’re making sacred haste, together.
This moment calls all of us to move quickly to choose clean energy in our homes and congregations,
with many federal incentives scheduled to sunset.
Listen to this call to action from Joelle, and then scroll down to choose clean energy right now.
Invite your community to act now!
Could your congregation distribute bulletin inserts to those attending worship in the coming weeks? Fill out this form to access a folder of bulletin inserts customized to different regions and a choice of scriptures, along with a sample announcement and newsletter blurb:
This September will bring the Jewish high holy days, the Christian Season of Creation, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, the nationwide “SUNday” actions in support of solar energy, and the last best chance for many of us to shift to clean energy at home and in our communities before federal incentives step down.
We invite every congregation in our network to select a worship service (especially September 5-7) during which to make an announcement about the need to make sacred haste, and to download and copy a bulletin insert to share clean energy opportunities with everyone in your community.
Power your congregation with clean energy
There is something meaningful for most of our congregational facilities to do right now, if you get started today.
Our Clean Energy Shepherd, Maddie Smith, can provide a personalized consultation.
We’re moving swiftly to help forty area congregations through the solar process in the next few months.
(The federal tax credit for commercial projects will go away entirely for projects that aren’t installed by the end of 2027, but may get more expensive and difficult for projects that haven’t begun construction by the end of this year.)And: many of our congregations have good resources available to undertake energy upgrades and electrification measures right now.
For example:
- In DC, we’re partnered with ThinkBox Group, who can arrange full financing for comprehensive building upgrades. Meet to learn more.
- In Maryland, the regional utilities offer various incentives and support through EmPOWER Maryland, and we’re assembling a portfolio of congregations that will fully finance solar projects this fall and help those eligible apply for a strong state grant. Meet to learn more.
- In Potomac Edison’s service territory, the incentives available to houses of worship are doubled for projects that are approved before the end of November. Meet to learn more.
- Some counties, such as Fairfax County and Montgomery County, have particular grants and resources to help houses of worship undertake energy upgrades. Meet to learn more.
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Explore our full spreadsheet of local resources and programs here.
Questions or corrections? ethan@ipldmv.org
Act now to electrify at home
Heat pumps are highly efficient, save money and energy, and will benefit from federal tax credits only through the end of the year.
Electrify at home in DC
- The DCSEU offers incentives for electric heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters, induction stoves, electrical panel upgrades (but may change after 9/30/25!)
- DC homeowners and tenants in single-family homes who are already enrolled in SSI, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, or are income qualified can receive free electric heat pumps and heat pump hot water heaters through DCSEU’s Affordable Home Electrification Program.
Electrify at home in Maryland
Find out what home electrification resources are available where you live here.
In particular:
- Homeowners in Montgomery County can undertake comprehensive discounted home electrification through ElectrifyMC (sign up by the first week of October to get installed by year-end)
- Homeowners in Howard County are invited to join a heat pump purchasing group (sign up by September 12 to get installed by year-end)
- Income-eligible homeowners in Baltimore City and County, Anne Arundel, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties may be able to get a free heat pump and energy upgrades through Sustain Our Future Foundation
Electrify at home in NoVA
- Dominion Energy residential customers have access to a free Home Energy Evaluation to help identify the best ways to save money and energy. Rebates are available for projects undertaken as a result of a Home Energy Evaluation.
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Explore our full spreadsheet of local resources and programs here.
Questions or corrections? ethan@ipldmv.org
Act now to go solar at home
If you’ve ever thought about going solar at home, sign up with one of our region’s trusted purchasing groups to get started right now. (Federal residential solar tax credits will end for any projects not fully installed by the end of the year. Home solar contracts signed by mid-September have the best chance to meet that deadline.)
Go solar at home in MD
- Solar United Neighbors’ Switch Together program (closes September 10)
For homeowners in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, and Frederick Counties.
Eligible folks will be connected with Maryland’s Solar Access funds, too. - Civic Works’ solar co-op program
For homeowners anywhere in MD
Think you can’t afford solar?
- For those in Baltimore City, see if you qualify for free solar panels to low and moderate income residents in single-family homes (including some renters!) through the Baltimore Shines program by Sept 5th
- Grants are available to qualifying Maryland residents through Maryland Solar Access
Panels aren’t possible but you pay your home energy bill?
- Subscribe to community solar through Neighborhood Sun
Go solar at home in DC
- Solar United Neighbors’ Switch Together program (closes September 10)
Think you can’t afford solar?
- See if you qualify for free solar panels to low and moderate income residents in single-family homes (including some renters!) through DC Solar for All
Panels aren’t possible but you pay your home energy bill?
- Subscribe to community solar through Neighborhood Sun
- Income-qualified DC residents who pay their own energy bill can subscribe for a monthly credit through DC Solar for All
Go solar at home in NoVA
- Solar United Neighbors’ Switch Together program (closes September 10)
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Explore our full spreadsheet of local resources and programs here.
Questions or corrections? ethan@ipldmv.org
Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA), a program of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington