Courtesy photo
Solar panels atop the thrift shop at St. Mary's, Barnstable--part of an expanded array at the church.
St. Mary’s Church in Barnstable has taken another big step toward sustainability by expanding its solar panel system. The latest addition means even more energy savings and a greater commitment to caring for creation, according to a parish news release.
The journey started back in early 2020 with the installation of 104 LG solar panels in the sunniest spots on the church’s roof, with a total capacity of 33.28 kilowatts (KW). According to the parish, the panels have been working even better than expected; originally estimated to cover 40 percent of the church’s electricity needs, they’ve been supplying 42-44 percent instead. Since installation, they’ve saved St. Mary’s more than $50,000 in electricity costs and added more than $22,000 in energy credits to the church’s endowment.
Building on that success, the second phase of the project recently wrapped up, adding 49 Hanwha solar panels on roof spots that get a little less direct sunlight. These panels bring an extra 21.315 KW of power, and with them, St. Mary’s expects to generate 60-70 percent of its electricity from the sun.
Reflecting on the significance of this project, the rector of St. Mary's, the Rev. Michael Horvath, said, “Living on the Cape, we see every day how fragile and beautiful our environment is, and how important it is to care for God’s creation. I’m so grateful for the vision and dedication of those at St. Mary’s who made this solar initiative a reality. Though I’ve only been here a short time, it’s clear that this community is deeply committed to sustainability and faithful stewardship. This is exactly the kind of work that reflects who we are and what we value, and I’m excited to see where it leads us next.”
Cost of the project's first phase was funded by donations, with the second phase covered by a fundraising campaign and federal tax credits.
Peter Scarafile, Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair, said in the news release, “The latest energy savings and carbon reduction numbers are posted monthly in the parish hall, so everyone can see the impact firsthand. We anticipate to increase our carbon footprints offset by 50 percent, while enjoying additional savings for St. Mary’s. Truly a win-win.”
With this expanded solar system, St. Mary’s says it is aiming to show that faith and action go hand in hand--saving money, protecting the planet and leading by example.