Genesis of Ann Arbor expands its solar commitment
By Murray Rosenthal
Genesis of Ann Arbor, a long-standing equal partnership between Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, has taken another bold step toward sustainability by expanding its solar energy system.
Genesis’s original installation consisted of 160 panels which were mounted on the south-facing roof of the office building and the flat social hall roof. It was activated in February 2020. This installation was owned by an investor group, made up of altruistic congregants, who received a 30% tax credit. Non-profits could not access the credit before 2024.
In June 2025, a new addition, consisting of 76 panels, was installed on the north-facing roof of the office building. The total system now consists of 236 panels and is rated at 104.7 kW power.
As of the end of September 2025, the environmental impact was significant. The total energy generated was 428 MWh over 5.5 years. Over this time period, this installation avoided 662,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions, which was equivalent to planting 5,003 trees. The panels are estimated to cover 41% of Genesis’s electricity needs.
This table shows the financial benefits of our solar installations:
The $0.115/kWh solar rate, paid to the investor group, remained constant from 2020 until March 2025 (when it was sold to Genesis); during this time, DTE’s rate increased 32%. And during the summer months this year, Genesis saved ~$6,200.
Genesis purchased the original system from the investor group in March 2025, thanks to a generous anonymous donation, a grant from the Rust Family Foundation and a generous discount from the investor group.
The cost of the 76 new panels was funded as a capital expenditure by both congregations. The tax credits are now accessible to non-profits. Genesis is applying for a 30% Direct Pay credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, with free accounting support from Michigan’s Infrastructure Office.
Genesis’s solar journey is a model for how houses of worship and nonprofits can overcome financial barriers to clean energy. By leveraging community investment, federal incentives, and strategic planning, they’ve achieved both environmental stewardship and budgetary resilience.
If you’re inspired and want to explore solar for your own organization, reach out to Murray Rosenthal at [email protected].
