We are not a large congregation but do consume a lot of energy due to the fact that we have a day care facility on our campus. Before we installed our solar panels, the annual cost of our electricity was between $10-$11K per year.
We did some other cost saving measures such as bringing our insulation up to code, having an energy audit (very important step), installing programmable thermostats (courtesy of Duke energy) and converting overhead lights into LEDs ( Duke rebate program). The system was paid for by utilizing the Duke rebates, a fund raiser and borrowing from our reserves. The solar array was a 47.2 kW system. Last year our electric bill was $3.3k. Our treasurer estimates that we have saved more than $50,000. This money is used mostly for charitable causes instead of going into Duke’s coffers. Our app (Solaredge) shows that we have saved almost 500,000 lbs of CO2 from going into the atmosphere. We encourage all churches to at least investigate solar installations. Information about costs, federal rebates ,financing and other concerns can be obtained by contacting NCIPL.
Visit Pilgrim United Church of Christ online at: http://www.pilgrimucc-durham.org
