News > Virginia church saves thousands by going solar – Yours can, too

Virginia church saves thousands by going solar – Yours can, too

• Stories

January 26, 2026

Solar isn’t just for your home — As energy costs rise across the country, local churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship are looking to solar as a path toward financial relief. 

In the fall of 2025, Bridgewater Church of the Brethren (BCOB), located in Bridgewater, Virginia, took a leap and installed a 250.8 kW solar system with 456 ground-mounted panels. In the months since, the church has seen an incredible $3,000 drop in their monthly utility bill. They are predicting they will see over $30,000 of solar savings by this time next year. 

Ted Flory, current mayor of Bridgewater and a lay-leader at BCOB, shares with us how the church went solar, and how he believes these savings will support the community for years to come. How might solar savings benefit your community gathering spaces?

Bridgewater Church of the Brethren: A model for solar success

Community spaces are worth investing in. “Shared gathering places, particularly in rural communities, can be incredibly powerful,” says Kenny Eye, Virginia Rural Associate at Solar United Neighbors. 

BCOB’s building is that powerful gathering space for church members and for the greater Bridgewater community. It houses essential programs and services, including a food pantry and garden, childcare and academic support through Connections Early Learning Center, a refugee resettlement program, work service opportunities for youth, disaster relief, and much more. Commencement ceremonies, weddings, and family reunions are also hosted at the church throughout the year. 

Unfortunately, powering a large sanctuary can come with a high price tag. “The last couple of years, we’ve had a bit of a budget deficit,” Flory explains. Flory knew from personal experience that going solar could help. After installing panels on his own home, Flory pays nothing but a connectivity fee of $7.50 each month.

“The productivity of solar panels has improved and the price has gone down. That’s a nice combination”

– Ted Flory

Today, with the panels installed, BCOB is predicted to hit 2026 with a balanced budget. 

Equally important to the congregation when choosing solar was aligning with “BCOB’s mission to care for God’s creation”, Flory tells us. The solar installation will dramatically decrease the church’s carbon footprint, supporting the earth now and for future generations that enjoy BCOB’s space. 

To raise money for this large solar project, the church pulled from their foundation estate gifts and initiated a three-year fundraising campaign. The congregation’s contributions in that campaign exceeded expectations, and Flory reports that congregants love seeing their contributions in action: “There is a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement about a $30 electric bill when we’re used to having them anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 in a month’s time.”

In addition to balancing the budget, solar savings have made room for other projects, such as construction on an elevator that will make their choir room more accessible. They even have plans for the space below the panels: to grow shade-loving plants that will continue feeding community members through their food pantry and garden program. 

Is solar right for your community spaces?

Solar savings can fuel a church’s mission — but is it right for your church? 

Our Solar Help Desk can help faith leaders decide if solar is the right investment for your community.  If you are a member of an organization that owns a building, share this story with the leadership team so they know about solar as an option! Our Solar Help Desk experts are here to answer questions related to technology, financing, expected savings, and more.

If you didn’t know that churches could go solar, you’re not alone! Share this story to spread the word that solar doesn’t just benefit homeowners — It can also benefit the community spaces where we gather.