Nonprofits and faith-based organizations going solar is nothing new. In fact, Sunistics has installed systems and energy efficiency measures for hundreds of such entities since 2012.
Nonprofits have an obligation to be as cost-effective as possible and routinely seek cost-cutting opportunities. Our approach, analyzing energy usage in fine detail has saved millions of dollars in cost savings for nonprofits and with the news that they can now received the full 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ll be helping to save millions more.
Common nonprofit Energy inefficiencies
The Vampire Loads
Our analysis revealed an Orange County church was wasting thousands of dollars per year due to two unused vending machines left switched on in the basement.
The summer event
A nonprofit in Simi Valley more than doubled its peak demand charge when it hosted an event one summer evening with its doors left open and its AC running over time. The utility’s unforgiving on-peak rates left the organization with an electric bill 75% more expensive than it otherwise would’ve been.
The Room Rental
A nonprofit in Los Angeles rented a room in its facility every Tuesday afternoon to make use of the extra space and earn some much-needed funds. We were able to show them that the power required to cool the room, at least in its current form, was costing them more in kWh and kW charges than it was making them.
The 24/7 Loads
Nonprofits, and in particular faith-based organizations, tend to have higher than average 24/7 loads. This refers to the circuits and equipment that is never switched off. Alarm systems, lighting, and servers are normal loads to be left on, but when it is more than that the additional costs can be hundreds or thousands of wasted dollars every year.
Ask us to take a look at your energy usage patterns and where you could save money through simple adjustments.
Case studies
Hear it from some of our clients
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pacific Beach, CA
“Our congregation wanted to transition to solar electricity as a way of demonstrating our care for the earth. Sunistics designed the system and installed it beautifully! We were able to achieve 114% of our energy goal right away. Their staff was clear in their communication with us, flexible with any changes that we needed to make, and consistently able to deliver whatever they promised. I would highly recommend Sunistics to other churches or organizations seeking to switch to solar energy.”
David Nagler, Pastor
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, West Valley, CA
“We wanted to go solar because it made economic sense to take this step for the church, but it is also a vital environmental message that we wanted to send to our community. And working with Sunistics in this mission was simple and efficient. Even three years later, we can still communicate with the team if any questions arise.”
Jan Garris, Director of Finance & Administration
Our Redeemer Lutheran Beach, Garden Grove, CA
“Our research showed that churches that had added solar systems had achieved a reduction in their power bills and a reasonable payback of the initial investment. Sunistics worked with our facilities manager to ensure that church activities would not be disrupted. They maintained a clean work area and were always available to answer questions and provide assistance. We just finalized our second year of operation, and Sunistics is still available to answer questions or provide assistance. When we compare the power generated against what was estimated, it is always very consistent.”
Sherwood Witt, Our Redeemer Church Council
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act has brought the 30% solar discount to nonprofits in full
Nonprofits and faith-based organizations have long since been unable to claim the full benefit of solar in the same way as other commercial entities. It hasn’t stopped many making the commitment to renewable energy regardless, often taking the hit, and other times working with tax equity investors to take a smaller slice of what’s readily available to others.
But the Inflation Reduction Act means that not only is the 30% ITC on the table in full, it is available as a direct payment rather than a tax credit. About time nonprofits had a real shot at making the most of clean, better energy.
Nonprofit programs
Better Energy Partnerships
A Sunistics Better Energy Partnership allows a qualifying nonprofit to have a solar system installed without charge with the guarantee that energy bills come with an immediate 30% discount. It provides respite from high and rising electric bills with the comfort of clean energy.
Lovers of the Holy Cross
Garden Grove, CA
Church in the Canyon
Calabasas, CA
Occidental Presbyterian
Eagle Rock, CA
A letter from Carolyn Williams, Occidental Presbyterian church
Our church has had a relationship with Sunistics since 2016; we have been extremely satisfied with the level of professionalism and care we experienced during the installation process as well as the ease with which the new system has been implemented and monitored.
Being a small church, we began to seek out solar options as a way to cut down on the large electric bills that inevitably came during the summer months. Not only have our bills been greatly reduced, we have also received compliments from our neighbors for our commitment to clean energy. We are proud to be, “Souler powered by the Son.”
When COVID-19 restrictions were announced, Sunistics was one of the first companies to inquire about the well being of the church and to see if they could be of any assistance. Our congregation is grateful that we made the choice to work with a company that not only aims to have our operations carried out in the most sustainable way possible, but also is truly concerned about the people that comprise the church and the surrounding community.
Carolyn Williams, Occidental United Presbyterian Church