ST. GEORGE — As concerns over climate change, energy costs and sustainability mount for many, one St. George church recently built a solar farm in its backyard to not only do its part for the environment but also save on expenses. Investing in renewable energy is also considered a way to take part in caring for God’s creations.

Two rows of solar panels were installed on the far side of the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church on 2450 South earlier this summer. Rev. Dr. Ralph Clingan told St. George News that the panels are estimated to cover up to 80% of the church’s energy needs.

“It’s saving quite a bit of money, but is also friendly to our environment,” Clingan said. “The climate change we are experiencing is the result of the abuse of the environment, and this is God’s given power and energy put to use for God’s people. That’s stewardship of God’s creation in all forms.”

For the Presbyterian Church in the United States, caring for the environment has been likened to caring for “the least of these,” a phrase taken from Matthew 25:37-40 in the New Testament of the Bible.

“God’s covenant extends to all creation, and we are called to love our neighbors and care for ‘the least of these,’” the church’s website states. Humanity’s stewardship over the land, or God’s creation, is outlined in further detail on the church’s webpage on climate change.

In addition to adopting renewable energies like solar power, congregants are encouraged to recycle, conserve resources, and advocate for public policies and practices that promote clean air and water and overall care and protection of the environment.

With St. George getting over 300 days of sunlight per year, going to solar power “was a no-brainer,” Clingan said.

He added that they desired to convert to a renewable energy source early on, but due to financial constraints, this was not feasible.

However, a recent bequest gifted to the church by an environmentally conscious family, combined with 30% of the installation cost being covered by the Inflation Reduction Act, allowed the church to move forward on what turned into a $90,000 investment in solar energy. Clingan added that his church is “blessed with multitude engineers” in the congregation who helped set up the system.

“That made it very feasible,” Clingan said.

Clingan said he is aware of only one church in St. George with a solar farm. Since the solar farm’s installation, other churches and groups have approached the church for details about the project and its feasibility.

“I hope that the idea will catch on, because certainly here in St. George, this is the ideal area for solar power,” Clingan said.

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