A Mission to Support Renovation & Reduce Energy Costs
Faith Lutheran Church Invests in Solar
O’Fallon, IL
October 2025
When Faith Lutheran Church in O’Fallon explored a church solar installation in Illinois, the goal was clear: reduce rising operating costs while supporting a major campus renovation. After adding a new building and facing steadily increasing bills, church leaders began evaluating solar as a long-term financial solution. Encouraged by a recommendation from a congregation member who had already gone solar, Faith Lutheran partnered with StraightUp Solar to design a system that aligned with their budget and mission.
Looking to reduce operating costs for your nonprofit or commercial property?
System Details
System Size
95 kW (DC)
Equipment
238 QCell 400W modules
3 Solaredge Inverters
Energy Production
125.914 kWh Annually
100% Energy Offset
Savings
First Year – $11,000
Lifetime – $471,000
Payback – 7.8 years
Solar Story
The Challenge: Managing Energy Costs During Growth
Faith Lutheran Church was in the middle of an important renovation project when energy costs became a growing concern. A newly added building increased electricity demand, and year-over-year utility rate increases made long-term budgeting more difficult. Church leadership wanted a solution they could confidently bring to the congregation, one that reduced operating expenses without compromising other ministry priorities.
At the same time, Mark Sauer, a church member who had gone solar on his own home, shared his positive experience working with StraightUp Solar. His recommendation gave church leaders a trusted starting point as they began evaluating solar providers.
The Solution: A Thoughtful Church Solar Installation
StraightUp Solar partnered with Faith Lutheran Church and project manager Steve Frederickson to design and install a 95 kW solar array tailored to the church’s energy needs. The system was carefully planned to integrate with the newly-renovated campus and begin offsetting electricity usage immediately.
A key factor in the decision was the availability of nonprofit solar incentives for churches, including the federal tax credit’s Direct Pay option and Illinois incentives. Together, these significantly reduced upfront costs, creating a strong financial case that church leadership could clearly present to the congregation—ultimately earning broad approval with no resistance.
Throughout the process, Faith Lutheran valued StraightUp Solar’s responsiveness, clear communication, and demonstrated experience with larger house of worship and nonprofit solar installations.
The Results: Savings That Support the Mission
The solar installation is expected to save an estimated $11,000 in first-year electricity costs and $471,000 over the system’s lifetime, with a projected 7.8-year payback period. Those savings are already being redirected to help offset renovation expenses, allowing more resources to stay focused on the church’s core mission.
Steve Frederickson shared that the savings have aligned closely with expectations, reinforcing confidence in their decision to choose StraightUp Solar. Today, Faith Lutheran Church serves as a local example of how churches can use solar energy to gain financial stability while planning for long-term growth.
“We wanted to reduce our operating costs. We had a new building added to our campus and each year utility costs were going up and up. Solar was one of the first options we looked at. We talked to several companies about expected cost savings. The primary incentive that helped us in our business case was the federal incentive and the provision in that for Direct Payment for nonprofits. When you add that with the incentives from Illinois and our expected utility savings, it was really an excellent business case we could take to the congregation and get approval.
The savings we’ve seen on our utility bills is what we’d hoped for and expected. Now those savings are being applied to offset the cost of our renovation.”
Steve Frederickson, Faith Lutheran Church
Explore your church or house of worship’s solar options. Reach out for a proposal today.
Incentives Overview
By leveraging the federal tax credit’s Direct Pay feature for nonprofits alongside Illinois incentives, Faith Lutheran Church saved 66% off the total cost of their solar system and gained a predictable return on investment that supports long-term stewardship of church resources.
All scenarios are unique. You financial breakdown may differ.
System Cost
Federal Investment Tax Credit
Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Project Photos
How Can Solar Serve Your Mission?
STRAIGHTUP SOLAR
Learning Center
Forging Ahead with Solar: Innovation in Manufacturing at Forge Resources Group
Forging Ahead With Solar Innovation in Manufacturing at Forge Resources Group Illinois 2019-2025 Founded in 1988, Forge Resources Group (FRG) is a Midwest-based metal manufacturer
Faith Lutheran Church Invests in Solar to Support Renovation & Reduce Energy Costs
A Mission to Support Renovation & Reduce Energy Costs Faith Lutheran Church Invests in Solar O’Fallon, IL October 2025 When Faith Lutheran Church in
Brewing Community Impact: Analytical Brewing Invests in Commercial Solar
Brewing Community Impact: Analytical Brewing Invests in Commercial Solar Lexington, IL December 2024 As a growing brewery rooted in its local community, Analytical Brewing partnered
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Trust StraightUp Solar
