Programs for the congregation and the wider community are now supported by solar + storage at First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge. Because the solar photovoltaic (PV) system includes battery storage, excess solar energy production can be stored for later use, including at night, adding resilience.

“God gave us limitless energy from the sun, and the technological creativity to harness it. Our biblical mandate to care for creation compels us to use it for the good of the planet and each other,” said Dan Terpstra, former co-chair of the property & maintenance committee, who led the effort to win approval and financial contributions for the project.

The system offsets a large portion of electricity needs at both the sanctuary and education buildings. The church plans to partially cover the cost with grant assistance from the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund and through federal direct pay for nonprofits.

“The solar panels on the rooftop of the education building will lower the electric bills that the church pays for the space rented by Early Head Start of Anderson County,” said Jack Graham, current chair of the property & maintenance committee. “These panels nicely complement the new heat pump recently installed for EHS.” The church provides several types of community support, including community meals, recovery programs and a venue for scouts.

The 20.5 kilowatt (kW), direct-current (DC) system installed on the two buildings can produce enough clean electricity each year to offset the carbon equivalent of approximately:

  • emissions from 12,000 pounds of coal burned
  • carbon sequestered annually from nearly 13 acres of forest or
  • 1,200 gallons of gasoline consumed.

The church enlisted Knoxville-based specialty construction group Solar Alliance Southeast to design and construct the solar project, supporting local jobs. Solar Alliance sales director Tom Talmage said, “We’re honored to be chosen for this prominent display of how renewable energy works on a practical level for nonprofits in our community.”

For more information on environmental stewardship for congregations, you can contact danterpstramail@gmail.com.

Anne Brock is marketing coordinator for Solar Alliance, which designs and manages solar installation projects for large manufacturers, small businesses, and nonprofits. She can be reached at email or 865-221-8349.