The St. Paul's community of the Son may soon be the community of the sun as well. In May our board voted to pursue a solar panel project on the south-facing roof of our Christian Education wing. The Ontaro government is buying solar energy from those who will install the panels at a guaranteed rate over the course of twenty years. The rate is such that our estimated income is more than double the initial cost of installing the panels.
Where does that "up front " money come from? Oshawa Presbytery Church Extension Council has agreed to loan us the money (about $50,000) and we will repay the council from the revenues from the government.
Many home owners, farmers, and churches have taken advantage of the this program and are pleased with the choice to participate. Cambridge St. United congregation in Lindsay is one of those churches and their minister, the Rev. Paul Reed, also has a solar installation on his home, something he began fifteen years ago. The photo above is of the installation on Cambridge St. Paul will join us at our board on November 14th at 7:00 pm to talk about his experience both personally and as the pastor of a participating congregation. Everyone in the congregation is welcome.
Many thanks to vice-chair Ryan and chair Harold for their work on our behalf. If all goes at planned, we will be the first UCC congregation in our presbytery to proceed. We do have a couple more hoops to jump through though.
What do you think about churches getting involved in alternative energy projects? Do you think this is a good idea for St. Paul's?
Great Idea!! WE have The David Suzuki Foundation coming out to our home next month about putting panels on our roof. No cost to us but helps out everyone! Every bit helps.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful!!!!! Practice what we preach and what better way..
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