As part of our Earth Day Sunday this week, April 26, we will celebrate and commission our solar panel installation. We’ll do that in worship and with a reception at Pizza Sunday in the Commons. We’re grateful for the Creation Care task force that worked to explore and propose this project; the enthusiastic reception of the congregation in support of this project last summer; and our partnership with ChartHouse Energy and Solar Faithfult. Special thanks to Peter Boogaart, who authored this update on the solar project that appeared in the Lent issue of Salt & Light.
In late 2023, the Creation Care Ministry opened a conversation about global climate change. We were becoming increasingly conscious of the multiple ways in which climate change was making life intolerable for many people around the globe. We knew, too, that our own congregational use of fossil fuels was contributing to the problem.
Our discussions were guided by the diagnostic guidelines of Romans 12:18: Is there a break in living peaceably with all? Are we accountable to do something? And, do we have the means to respond?
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
In early 2024 we created a Carbon Footprint Team and charged the team with exploring the issue and developing a recommendation.
The team began its work with a detailed tour of our facility, including the attic and basement. They collected 2024 electric and gas bills and used them to calculate our carbon footprint which turned out to be 223 tons of CO2e annually. The team then began to catalogue our options to reduce that tonnage—everything from more insulation to upgraded appliances.
The team ultimately identified transition to carbon-free electrical supply as a first step that would be both achievable and dramatically effective. The team began to focus on the potential for installation of a solar array.
We learned that the non-profit Solar Faithful was working with other faith communities to facilitate this same goal. We contacted their solar partner, Chart House Energy in Muskegon, and began the process of identifying our options.
The following months were used to refine the solar array proposal and to communicate the project to the congregation and appropriate committees. Chart House Energy, after an inspection of our roof and mechanical systems, delivered a proposal for a $102-kW array which would offset 62% of our annual electrical load and 28% of our total carbon footprint at a cost of $275,000. Allowing for some variation in electrical use from year to year and inflation, the array would save about $7,000 per year in electric billings.
In August 2025 Consistory approved the proposal and determined that it would be appropriate to borrow the funding from Facilities Maintenance Fund with the understanding that we will apply for the available clean energy tax credits.
Clean energy tax credits are a function of the IRS code. So, when the solar array becomes operational in 2026, we will file for those credits. We are eligible for a 30% credit and expect to also qualify for an additional 10% credit as we reside in a community formerly served by a coal-fired power plant.
Installation of the solar array has begun and much of the racking system is now in place. Unfortunately, however, the severity of the weather this winter has slowed things down. Chart House Energy will finish as soon as they are able. We anticipate a formal dedication event sometime this spring.
When the IRS credits are awarded, they will be refunded to the Facility Maintenance Fund. With the IRS credits in hand, we will be able to calculate the remaining balance due to be returned to the Fund; at which point, we anticipate a one-time appeal to the congregation for a contribution toward the remaining total. When all contributions are recorded and the final repayment to the Fund is known, Consistory will determine a number of years in which to refund the balance and add a prorated amount to each successive annual budget.
When the solar array is finally complete and operational, the Carbon Footprint team will begin the search for whatever may be the next step in reduction of our carbon footprint.