Why Solar?

Adopting solar energy aligns with our values and offers significant benefits:

• Energy Savings: Generate about 50% of our electricity needs.

• Financial Stewardship: Save approximately $12,000 annually on utility bills and earn $3,000 per year through Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), totaling $15,000 in yearly savings.

• Environmental Impact: Reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable future.

How Did We Decide?

A dedicated committee was formed to explore the feasibility and benefits of installing solar panels at Saint Peter’s. The committee undertook a comprehensive evaluation process that included:

• Researching Options: Investigated solar energy solutions, available tax credits, and financial incentives.

• Benchmarking: Interviewed other churches in the area that have installed solar panels to learn from their experiences.

• Vendor Discussions: Spoke with multiple solar providers to assess capabilities and offerings.

• Request for Proposal (RFP) Process: Conducted an RFP to understand the costs, benefits, and available tax credits in detail.

• Church Forum: Hosted an all-parish forum to present findings, answer questions, and gather feedback from the congregation.

This thorough process ensured that we made an informed decision. After careful consideration, the Vestry approved the solar installation, recognizing its potential to align with our values and benefit our parish. We are thrilled to share that the initial investment for the solar panels is fully funded through a generous anonymous unrestricted donation and then a set of additional donations that allowed us to purchase the all-black, more aesthetically pleasing panels. This allows us to move forward without drawing on church reserves or any fundraising efforts.

Project Timeline

The solar panel installation is scheduled to begin in 2025, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future for Saint Peter’s.