For Pastor Julia Brown, the decision to adopt solar energy wasn’t simply about lowering utility costs. It was a reflection of a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and caring for the community around her.
At Solomon’s United Church of Christ, solar became another way to live out the church’s mission of honoring and protecting God’s creation.
“We see these solar panels and avoiding carbon emissions as a way of loving our neighbors.”
– Pastor Julia Brown
With support from federal funding and a partnership with RE-volv, a clean energy access organization that helps nonprofits go solar, the Chambersburg, PA congregation installed solar panels on the church roof. The utility savings were real and immediate. But what the church did with them is what sets Solomon’s apart.
The money freed up by lower energy bills has flowed quietly into the surrounding community. It’s helping sustain several church-run programs serving local families and neighbors in need. For example, a community garden, where produce is grown and donated to local organizations. Members of the congregation also maintain a native pollinator garden, creating habitat for bees and other essential pollinators.
“Last year, we donated over 300lbs. Of produce to local organizations”, shared Solomon’s Church member Julie Emig.
Solar savings have also strengthened the church’s involvement in the local Power Packs program, which sends weekend meals home with food-insecure students so children won’t go hungry once the school doors close on Friday.
“Having the savings from the solar panels means that if donations were to stop or we were to need to expand the garden, there’s a safety net within the church budget for us to be able to do that,” Brown explained.
For Solomon’s United Church of Christ, going solar became more than an energy decision. It became a way to turn savings into service — creating environmental, financial, and community impact that continues to grow.
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