The Wesley Union A.M.E. Zion Church in Norfolk had solar panels installed in 2020, an upgrade that’s saved the church an estimated 25-30% on energy bills.

The savings, which equate to about $75 a month, are put toward other church initiatives such as a fund to help prevent evictions, according to Pastor Brandon Praileau. The solar project was done at no cost to the church, covered through a combination of assistance from a local solar investment fund and federal tax credits for commercial projects.

But the tax credits used for the project are set to expire soon, and solar energy advocates in Virginia are working to complete projects ahead of the deadline to still receive credits that cut the cost of installations by nearly a third.

Affecting residential and commercial projects, changes

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