On October 20, 2024, Sugar Creek Lutheran Church opened its doors to welcome congregation members, nonprofit leaders, and representatives from other houses of worship to explore its new solar system. The new 19.6-kilowatt solar system is set to exceed the church’s current electrical needs by 14%. These savings will allow Sugar Creek Lutheran Church to continue supporting its congregation, provide scholarships to students pursuing higher education, and provide additional community programming.
The open house featured a tour of its new solar installation, a presentation provided by Solar Project Lead Ervin Schlepp, and materials that outline a step-by-step guide for how other community members and fellow nonprofits can switch to solar energy.
Established in 1849, Sugar Creek Lutheran Church has been a leader and innovator for the Elkhorn community by providing various programs, including a ‘food in backpacks’ meal service program for two schools, and scholarships for students to further their education. The church’s mission “to witness Christ’s love, presence and acceptance with and for all people” is the foundation of the work they do to ensure a positive well-being for the Elkhorn community.
As they approached their 175th anniversary, leadership of the church began to deeply consider how they could further impact the community while also excelling in care for the planet. The congregation’s strong connection to the rural land that the church is situated on drove the church’s desire to explore how Sugar Creek Lutheran Church could enhance its energy efficiency. The solar project team identified incentives including the Inflation Reduction Act 30% tax credit and Focus on Energy, which could help make the transition to solar energy a practical and feasible option. Grant programs further assisted Sugar Creek Lutheran Church in transitioning to solar by greatly reducing the upfront costs of installing the array.
Sugar Creek Lutheran Church contracted a local solar installer company, Adam’s Electric, to install 36 panels. Generous donations from the congregation, in addition to significant grants from the Couillard Solar Foundation and Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation facilitated the development of this project. Through the Solar for Good initiative, Couillard Solar Foundation provided half of the panels needed for the project, and the Moonshot Solar Program funded by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation contributed $25,000 in grants. By making this project possible through donations from the congregation, Couillard Solar Foundation, and Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation the church will operate on 100% clean energy.
“In our 175th year of life as a congregation and because of the generosity of our congregation we have the opportunity to provide for the electrical needs of Sugar Creek until we celebrate our 200th anniversary,” said Pastor Dick Inglett.
Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, and many other nonprofits across Wisconsin, lead by example within their communities by demonstrating how others can benefit through the power of solar by increasing savings and creating healthier communities. Well over 200 nonprofits across the state serve as ambassadors, encouraging communities to embrace clean and renewable energy through the Solar for Good grant program. Each organization reduces its own costs and inspires local residents to consider the positive impact of solar energy, creating a culture of sustainability and well-being in Wisconsin.