St. Luke Solar Roof Project
More than a year ago, the Parish rectory and garage were scheduled to receive a new roof. It was time, and money had been budgeted for a replacement conventional roof. However, in light of Laudato Si', the Parish and the Care For Creation Ministry decided to take the time to explore the possibility of obtaining a solar roof or solar panels to reduce our power grid consumption and take advantage of the God-given natural energy available almost every day (yes, sometimes it rains!).
After considerable research, CFC invited a proposal from a company called 4ienergy (https://www.4ienergy.com). Based upon the evaluation of alternatives in that proposal (and keeping in mind that the existing roof needed complete replacement) they decided to pursue a “real” solar roof rather than add-on panels. In addition, like most full-scale solar roof installations, the project would include batteries that would assist in managing the captured power and provide battery backup for the office and rectory during short-term power outages. After obtaining a commitment from private donors, it was agreed that the Parish would contribute the amount originally budgeted for the roof, and the donors would contribute the difference. From there, the project was proposed to the Diocese.
Like every major project, there were contractual efforts to complete. However, the roof project raised some additional issues. For example, most projects of this type qualified for Federal incentives and tax credits. Unfortunately, because of our tax-exempt status the Diocese concluded that none of those would apply. Another missed opportunity was the ability to participate in a “virtual power plant”, where the Parish would connect to other alternative energy sources. In that concept, members can support one another and get income from shared energy. Unfortunately, the Parish can’t accept that kind of income, so we had to decline that offer. For anyone interested in the technical details of the final proposal, a copy is available below.
After considerable administrative work, the actual installation began on April 7, 2026. Once installed, the roof/battery system will reduce monthly energy costs, ensure backup of more than 12 hours in the event of a power failure, and keep the rain outside the rectory! We hope it will also serve as an example of incremental efforts to follow the spirit of Laudato Si' and care for the precious gift we call Earth.
After considerable research, CFC invited a proposal from a company called 4ienergy (https://www.4ienergy.com). Based upon the evaluation of alternatives in that proposal (and keeping in mind that the existing roof needed complete replacement) they decided to pursue a “real” solar roof rather than add-on panels. In addition, like most full-scale solar roof installations, the project would include batteries that would assist in managing the captured power and provide battery backup for the office and rectory during short-term power outages. After obtaining a commitment from private donors, it was agreed that the Parish would contribute the amount originally budgeted for the roof, and the donors would contribute the difference. From there, the project was proposed to the Diocese.
Like every major project, there were contractual efforts to complete. However, the roof project raised some additional issues. For example, most projects of this type qualified for Federal incentives and tax credits. Unfortunately, because of our tax-exempt status the Diocese concluded that none of those would apply. Another missed opportunity was the ability to participate in a “virtual power plant”, where the Parish would connect to other alternative energy sources. In that concept, members can support one another and get income from shared energy. Unfortunately, the Parish can’t accept that kind of income, so we had to decline that offer. For anyone interested in the technical details of the final proposal, a copy is available below.
After considerable administrative work, the actual installation began on April 7, 2026. Once installed, the roof/battery system will reduce monthly energy costs, ensure backup of more than 12 hours in the event of a power failure, and keep the rain outside the rectory! We hope it will also serve as an example of incremental efforts to follow the spirit of Laudato Si' and care for the precious gift we call Earth.
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