Praise Solar: California Church Installs 150 Solar Panels

December 18th, 2008 by Ariel Schwartz

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.

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









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