Solar Panel Project Funding: Adopt a Solar Panel for First Congregational Church
The Board of Trustees, the Mission and Justice Board, and the Faith Formation Board support the action to install solar panels on the new roof over offices and rooms. They are a gift to the present and the future from our church which cares for creation, reflecting our commitment to using clean energy, reducing energy costs, and encouraging others to do so as well. We invite the congregation to purchase solar panels.
First Congregational Church will save $400-$500 a month on our electric bill. The system will pay for itself in 11-12 years. 79 solar panels* will provide almost 50% of our annual electricity use. In addition we will offset 51,043 lbs of CO2 annually which equals 2,552 gallons of gasoline.
The total cost of the system is $87,000. One third of that will be rebated by the Inflation Reduction Act. After the rebate the system will cost $61,000. We already have $31,500 in the solar fund. We need the total amount 6 weeks prior to installation, early April. We need to collect $55,000 by then.
Adopt a solar panel for $1,000, or a part of one as you are able to give. Earmark checks “Solar Fund”, or do direct deposit.
- In 2008, George Lamb proposed budgeting for solar panels..
- “As a church that believes in a creator, we should also show our respect for God’s creation by reducing our impact on climate change.” Larry Menninga, 2023
- Markus Virta, working with Western Solar, designed our system.
Join us for a congregational meeting after worship on March 12 for discussions about this project! The Zoom link for worship will be available for those who wish to attend at home.
*Heliene 530W solar panels, totaling 42kW.
Thanks to Emily Wagnitz-Tracy for the inspiring image!
