Praise Solar: California Church Installs 150 Solar Panels
Even institutions devoted to God can use a little human intervention every once in awhile. That’s why Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino, CA, recently installed a 150 panel solar system with assistance from Akeena Solar. The panels will generate 34,000 kWh each year, and should save the church between $900 and $1200 each month.
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The new panels will also give children in the church’s school the opportunity to learn about solar energy, as a website that shows the congregation’s energy usage will teach the kids about its importance.
And in a move that benefits the entire town of Cupertino, Bethel successfully petitioned the city council to lower solar permit scheduling fees for non-profits from $5700 to $1500.
According to Pastor Randy Pabst, this is just the beginning of the church’s plans— the congregation wants to double or triple its present solar capacity in the future.
Why solar? “We’re being good stewards of the world God has given us,” said Pabst.
Photo Credit: NREL
Wow, a church I would actually think about going to. Then I probably wouldn’t.
So it saves $900–1200 monthly, but how much did it cost to install and when do they expect to break even? Surely being a good steward doesn’t mean wasting money on such expensive technology when there are more efficient options available?
RE:Tatu Sitanen. The pay back on this system after rebates for a non profit is about 14 years at todays electric cost. with the rising cost of electrcity, which is roughly 6% per year that will be quicker. Your negative response is very likely reflective of your personal belief system which in my opinion serves no one who desires some element of changefor the good in our world. I am right-wing green, a Christian who believes that we MUST begin to be better stewards of our environment.
I Was curios to see if any churches had tried Solar
as i’m interested in researching this for our church here in Arizona where we have an abundance of sunshine
I would be interested in knowing how your journey
went to get to the place you are at now with the solar, like what pitfalls to avoid?
thanks lou
This is the first church that I have heard about that has adopted solar panels. I think its great more people are choosing to go with alternative energy.
shannon