United Methodist Church Launches Solar and Battery Pilot Program for U.S. Congregations

The United Methodist Church has introduced a new pilot program designed to assist congregations across the United States in installing solar panels and battery storage systems. Managed by the General Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the initiative aims to improve energy sustainability and provide reliable power during grid outages caused by severe weather.

The program will select up to 20 churches to participate, with applications remaining open until November 2. Selected congregations will receive specialized training beginning in January. According to the Rev. Jenny Philips, director of Environmental Sustainability at Global Ministries, the project seeks to address common barriers to solar adoption, such as high costs, technical concerns, and a lack of familiarity with the installation process. By providing mentorship and peer support, the denomination hopes to help local churches maintain power during disasters without relying on fuel-powered generators.