A Charlevoix church is one of a growing number of churches around the country going green.

Greensky Hill Church, a nearly 200 year-old log building, is switching from propane to heat pumps and has plans to add solar.

When it comes to going green, many churches faces challenges from tight budgets and old buildings. However, the Inflation Reduction Act now offers tax-exempt houses of worship a direct pay option, covering up to 30% of solar panel installation costs.

Rob Rafson leads Solar Faithful, a company that handles solar installation for faith-based organizations. He shared other challenges churches face when adopting solar.

“Solar, though they want to protect the Earth and creation, that is important, but it is secondary to many of the other missions of the church,” Rafson said.

Houses of worship with solar are mostly in wealthier, white, educated areas, but experts see these projects as a chance to raise solar awareness in lower-income communities.