(Washington, D.C.) – DC Green Bank and Walker Memorial Baptist Church announced $415,000 in financing for a solar energy system and roof replacement. The loan will fund the installation of a 68kW solar power system, which is estimated to save the Ward 1 church nearly $10,000 on its utility bills annually and create up to $30,000 in solar renewable credits every year. The system will generate almost 75,000 kWh annually, cutting carbon emissions equivalent to 130,000 miles driven by car.
The church is also receiving a $66,000 Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit – made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act’s “direct pay” provision – which allows tax-exempt organizations to fully benefit from tax credits for building clean energy projects.
This investment was delivered through DC Green Bank’s Community Impact Initiative, which supports community-serving organizations, including faith-based institutions, to invest in building upgrades that increase energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and help preserve community assets. The solar power system will be installed by WDC Solar, a minority-owned business located in Ward 8, supporting the continued growth of the clean energy economy in DC.
“We’re thrilled to work with a historic church and cornerstone of the U Street community to deliver benefits of the clean energy economy to their congregation,” said Trisha Miller, CEO of DC Green Bank. “We look forward to working with more faith-based organizations to help them save money on their utility bills so they can invest more money in their communities.”
“DC Green Bank has been an essential partner in helping us with financing to make our solar energy project a reality,” said Reverend Ademuyiwa T. Bamiduro, Senior Pastor at Walker Memorial Baptist Church. “We’ve not only addressed the pressing need of replacing our aging roof, but with the addition of this solar power system we can use our utility savings to better impact and serve our congregation and community.”
Walker Memorial Baptist Church was founded in 1891 and has operated at its current location at 2020 13th Street NW in Ward 1 since 1906.
The solar energy system is expected to be operational by December 2024.
DCGB Walker Baptist Release_11.14.24