More than a year ago, the rectory and garage at St. Luke Church in McLean were scheduled to receive new roofs. It was time for a replacement and funds had been budgeted for conventional roofing.
However, inspired by the late Pope Francis’ ecological encyclical “Laudato Si’, ” the parish, including its Care for Creation Ministry, decided to explore the possibility of installing a solar roof or solar panels to reduce power grid consumption and take advantage of the God-given natural energy available almost every day.
After research, the Care for Creation Ministry invited a proposal from 4i Energy. Based on the alternatives presented and the need to completely replace the existing roof, the parish decided to pursue a solar roof rather than install traditional add-on solar panels.
Like most full-scale solar roof systems, the project would include batteries to help manage the energy generated and provide backup power to the parish office and rectory during short-term outages.
With commitments from private donors, the parish agreed to contribute the amount originally budgeted for the roof, while the donors would cover the remaining cost. The proposal was then submitted to the diocese for consideration.
As with every major project, the solar roof installation required extensive contract negotiations and planning. The project also presented several unique challenges.
For example, while similar projects typically qualify for federal incentives and tax credits, the diocese determined that those benefits would not apply because of its tax-exempt status.
The parish also was unable to participate in a “virtual power plant,” a network that connects multiple alternative energy sources. Through such programs, participants can share energy and potentially receive income. Unfortunately, the parish could not accept income from the virtual power plant program and had to decline the opportunity.
After considerable administrative work, installation began April 7. Once operational, the roof and battery system is expected to reduce monthly energy costs, provide more than 12 hours of backup power during an outage and keep rain outside the rectory.
The parish hopes the project will serve as an example of incremental efforts to follow the spirit of “Laudato Si’ ” and care for the precious gift of creation.
Find out more
For more info and to read a copy of the parish’s final proposal, go to saintlukemclean.org/solar-roof-project.
