The question is solar or green energy?

We opened with prayer and then agreed to two tasks this evening.

First: Mike and Michelle would share their data on the affordability of solar energy.
Mike began by sharing the information on costs based on a system that was $12,000 per KW. Based on 3.8 kw / day being produced it didn’t turn out to be cost effective over the life of the system.

However, Michelle shared information about new panels that produce 5kw hours per day. She is going to try to get information that verifies those numbers for the next meeting as it improves the numbers by 25%.

So we are still unsure whether the best way forward is through solar panels or purchasing green energy.

Certainly for churches like Blackwood who have very high usage and electricity demand solar panels make no sense but for a church like Belair that has very little daily use the panels may pay for themselves in as little as seven years. We will continue to wrestle with these ideas and numbers to see where the tipping point is.

Two concerns about solar systems are the costs associated with inverter replacement every 8-10 years and diminishing panel productivity after 30 years.

Second task that we looked at was clarity of purpose for this group.
Peter led us in trying to understand where we have evolved to.

**50 churches to reduce carbon footprint (by using solar panels) we have now realized that solar panels may not be the best way to reduce the carbon footprint.
Increase/improve congregations’ understanding and awareness of the link between energy and carbon footprint
Giving people feasible pathways toward reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint
To build a crtical mass of moral influence, to cause gov’t to adopt more climate friendly policies
Enable disadvantaged people to afford reducing their carbon footprint

** this is what we want to achieve. The other pieces flow out of it.

Peter F, Ian and anyone else who is interested will be meeting on Monday November 3 from 2:30 – 5:30pm to further this plan.

So next all group meeting Is Monday November 17 at 7:30pm