We’re excited to be moving forward with installing Solar Panels on our roof at the Spiritual Center. After replacing our roof surface in the Spring of 2020, in September of 2020 we contracted with Sunbug Solar to install a 24 kW DC solar energy system that will generate approximately 26,800 kWh in its first year of operation. That is enough solar power to offset all the electricity we use at the Spiritual Center in an average year.
For years, the Spiritual Center community has been leading the way in climate and environmental justice activism. We’ve been engaged in eco-spirituality and learning how to honor our relationships with the Earth and all living beings. Our minister and director, Rev. Dr. Ian Mevorach, did his PhD work in Ecological Theology and Ethics and has been a leader in Christian and Interfaith environmental justice circles; he was arrested twice in the struggle against the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline in 2016. Locally, the Spiritual Center has been a main organizer of the Renewable Natick campaign to move our town into a 100% renewable energy future, including the passing of an official resolution to this affect at Fall 2018 Town Meeting. This summer, in partnership with Keep Natick Beautiful, we launched a project called Cash4Trash and picked up over a ton of trash from roadways and parks. Therefore, it is fitting that we are putting solar panels on our own building and significantly lowering our carbon footprint!
COST OF PROJECT – Yes, donations are welcome!
The total cost of the project is $57,960. We’ve received a $25,000 grant and are financing the remaining $32,960 through a recoverable grant from Vanguard Charitable (the recoverable grant is essentially a low interest loan). Any money we raise for the solar panels via our Season of Giving Auction or other designated solar panel giving will be used to lower the principle of the $32,960 recoverable grant/loan.
Bird’s Eye View of the Panels (Artist Rendering)
Panel Specifications
